Jim France Named Recipient of Pocono Raceway’s
2008 Bill France Award of Excellence
Pocono, PA.—James C. (Jim) France, vice chairman/executive vice president of NASCAR and chairman/CEO of International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has been named the 2008 recipient of Pocono Raceway’s Bill France Award of Excellence. The Pocono Raceway Bill France Award of Excellence has been presented annually to the person, corporation or organization that has made outstanding contributions to the sport of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing. Thisprestigious award, first presented in 1977, is dedicated to the inspiration of William H.G. France, founder of NASCAR.
 Jim France is the son the late William H.G. (“Big Bill”) France and, brother of former president and chairman/CEO of NASCAR, the late William C. (“Bill Jr.”) France. He grew up in the early years of stock car racing, living and learning every aspect of the sport from his own experiences, and from his father and brother.
Jim joined ISC in 1959 working in all phases of operations. He was elected to the ISC board in 1970 and has served as the company’s secretary, assistant treasurer, vice president, chief operating officer and executive vice president before being named the company’s president and chief operating officer in 1987.He was also named to the NASCAR Board of Directors in November 2000.
France has been involved in motorsports most of his life. He has been a strong supporter of motorcycle racing in the United States, evident by his professional involvement in the sport. He was active in Legends Car racing and the Allison “Legacy” Car Series. He was BF Goodrich Legends Cars national tour champion in 1992 and had a good deal of success in the Gatorade Florida Legends Series.
He served as starter for the U.S. Motorcycle Grand Prix in the late 1960s, raced dirt track races for nearly five years and has been a member of the American Motorcyclist Association for more than 30 years. In addition, France has raced karts on both dirt and asphalt. France has served as a board member of ACCUS (Automobile Competition Committee of the United States).
He was on active duty in the U.S. ARMY (1969-1970) where he served a stint in Vietnam.
France was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Fla., and graduated from Seabreeze High School. He attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL., and earned a business degree in 1968.
“NASCAR was founded in 1948 and under the leadership, grit and determination of the France family, NASCAR’s popularity grew from primarily on a regional level to national recognition. Today, millions of fans pack NASCAR venues across the country each year for what is arguably the most exciting form of motorsports entertainment,” stated Pocono Raceway chairman and C.E.O. Dr. Joseph Mattioli. “Jim France has been a driving force behind NASCAR’s success and we are proud to announce that he has been named the recipient of Pocono Raceway’s 2008 Bill France Award of Excellence,” concluded Dr. Mattioli.
“There is a special relationship and bond between the Mattioli and France families that goes back to the personal friendship Doc and Rose had with my parents, Bill and Anne. My brother and I had the pleasure to build on that friendship. Bill, Jr. worked closely with the Mattiolis throughout his life. I have been fortunate enough to do the same. The close relationship our families share has lasted, and has been extended now through three generations. Receiving the Bill France Award of Excellence is a true honor and an award I will cherish always,” stated Jim France.
The Pocono Raceway Bill France Award of Excellence, a beautifully sculptured and highly polished piece of anthracite coal mined in Pennsylvania, will be presented to Jim France at an award ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2008. This ceremony is part of the festivities leading up to the June 8, 2008 POCONO 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway. |
