William Henry Getty "Bill" France (September 26, 1909 - June 7, 1992) was the founder and President of NASCAR. He was the father of Bill France, Jr. and grandfather of Brian France.
Racing[]
On March 8, 1936, he entered his first stock race at Daytona Beach, France finished fifth. In 1937 another raced was held which France competed in. In 1938 he was offered the job as manager of the track. That year there were two events, France lost the first one but managed to beat Loyd Moody to win the second event. over the next three years, France competed in nine races with a best finish of fourth. In 1942 France was busy scheduling 16 events, he had two wins and six and top 5's.
NASCAR[]
France knew promoters ripped off drivers. In 1947 France talked with Ebony Bar and Streamline hotel and on February 21, 1948, Nascar was born. Hotels started growing along the beach France knew a permanent track was needed thus Daytona International Speedway was built. On February 20, 1959, the first Daytona 500 was held. In 1970 he talked R.J Reynolds Tabacco Company to use brand Winston to sponsor the race series called the Winston Cup, from then the sport grew.