DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- NASCAR kept things in the family Saturday by naming Brian France to replace his father, Bill France, Jr., as chairman of the board and chief executive.
A member of NASCAR's founding family who has been part of the stock car circuit's tremendous growth over the last decade, Brian France has been involved in NASCAR for more than 20 years. He is the grandson of founder William H.G. France.
Brian France, 41, has an extensive background in NASCAR racing, ranging from his experience as a race track manager to helping develop and manage the NASCAR Weekly and Touring Series divisions, as well as launching the Craftsman Truck series.
Bill France Jr. led the organization since 1972 and made NASCAR the second-most popular United States sports league behind theNFL. During his tenure, NASCAR grew into a multibillion-dollar business with races from coast to coast and a $2.8 billion television contract.
