Bill France Sr. facts for kids

William Henry Getty France (born September 26, 1909 – died June 7, 1992) was a smart American businessman and a racing driver. People often called him Bill France Sr. or Big Bill. He is most famous for starting and leading NASCAR, which is a big organization that runs stock car races in the United States.

Early Life and Racing Dreams

Growing Up in Washington D.C.

William France was born in Washington, D.C.. His mother, Emma Graham, came from Ireland. As a teenager, Bill loved cars and speed. He would often skip school to drive his family's Ford Model T car. He practiced driving fast laps on a special 1.5-mile (2.4 km) track near Laurel, Maryland. He always made sure to get home before his father noticed!

Moving to Daytona Beach

Bill worked many jobs, including running his own service station. He even woke up early in winter to crank-start customers' cars. In 1935, during the Great Depression, Bill and his family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. He had less than $100. He knew Daytona Beach was famous for its land speed records.

At first, Bill painted houses and worked at a car dealership. Later, he opened his own car repair shop. This shop, at 316 Main Street Station, is still a place for events today. Famous drivers like Malcolm Campbell used to try to set speed records in Daytona. But by 1935, the track became too rough. They moved to the Bonneville Salt Flats instead. Daytona Beach wanted to keep its racing events to attract visitors.

Racing and Promoting Events

First Stock Car Races

On March 8, 1936, the first stock car race happened on the Daytona Beach Road Course. A local racer named Sig Haugdahl organized it. The race was for regular family cars. It was 78 laps long, about 250 mi or 400 km. Bill France finished fifth in that race. The event had some problems and lost money.

Bill France Takes Charge

Sig Haugdahl and Bill France worked together to hold another race in September 1937. It was better, but still lost money. After that, Bill France took over organizing the races in 1938. He even won a race himself in September 1938! Races continued in 1939, 1940, and 1941.

Racing During World War II

Plans for 1942 races stopped when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. During World War II, Bill worked at a boat factory. His wife, Anne, ran their service station. Most racing stopped until the war ended. Bill met Jim Johnstone Sr. in 1944. Jim became Bill's race car mechanic. They traveled around Florida, racing at small tracks.

After the war, Bill decided to focus on promoting races instead of driving. He had won two races at Daytona Beach and finished in the top five six times. He promoted races at Seminole Speedway and built the Occoneechee Speedway in 1947.

Founding NASCAR

The property located at 316 Main Street Station once owned and operated by France, which is still operating today as an event and entertainment venue.

Bill France saw that race promoters needed to be more organized. Sometimes, dishonest promoters would leave with all the money, and drivers wouldn't get paid. So, on December 14, 1947, Bill started talking with drivers, mechanics, and car owners. These talks led to the creation of NASCAR on February 21, 1948. They agreed on fair rules, insurance, and guaranteed prize money for racers.

Building Superspeedways

By 1953, Bill France knew that racing needed bigger, permanent tracks. Many fans were coming to the races. On April 4, 1953, he suggested building a new, huge track called Daytona International Speedway. Construction began in 1956. This 2.5 miles (4.0 km) track would host the biggest race of the year, the Daytona 500. The first Daytona 500 race was held in 1959 and has been the main event ever since.

He later built another large track, the Talladega Superspeedway, which opened in 1969.

Leading NASCAR

Bill France served as the main leader, or CEO, of NASCAR. In 1971, a company called R. J. Reynolds Tobacco became a major sponsor. This changed the name of the racing series from "Grand National" to "Winston Cup." In 1972, Bill France decided to remove all dirt tracks and short races (under 100 miles (160 km)) from the NASCAR schedule. This started the "modern era" of the sport.

After this, Big Bill handed over the leadership of NASCAR to his son, Bill France Jr.. Bill France Sr. still kept an office at NASCAR headquarters until the late 1980s.

He also built the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Bill France was one of the very first people to be honored there on July 25, 1990.

Political Involvement

Bill France was also involved in politics. He helped George Wallace with his campaign to become President in 1972. He even allowed Wallace to campaign during the Daytona 500 race that year.

Later Years and Legacy

Bill France passed away on June 7, 1992, at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida, at the age of 82. He left behind a huge legacy in motorsports.

Awards and Honors

Bill France received many awards for his contributions to racing:

• He was honored in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990.
• He was also inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1990.
• In 2004, he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
• He became a member of the National Motor Sports Press Association (NMPA) Hall of Fame.
• He was inducted into the Daytona Beach Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1992.
• He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 23, 2010.