Bill France Jr., NASCAR pioneer, Dies

Bill France Jr. died today, and NASCAR as well as the entire motorsports world has lost a pioneer. The France name became synonymous with NASCAR during the reign of Bill Jr. NASCAR, founded under his father, grew to maturity under France Jr.'s leadership.

The business of auto racing grew as well. The brand recognition of NASCAR, as well as the parity in competition, created marketing opportunities for businesses that never existed in motorsports.

Bill France Jr. lead NASCAR with an iron fist. His focused vision took NASCAR from a backwoods regional league of southern bootleggers to the national phenomenon that it is today, all without losing its values based in southern roots.

Whether you love NASCAR or hate it, you have to respect the job that Bill France Jr. did.

Check out the full obituary of Bill France Jr. on NASCAR.com.