Meet the American who created NASCAR: Bill France Sr., Daytona speed demon and racetrack pioneer
Fox News
Bill France Sr., the American who created NASCAR, did so 75 years ago, on Feb. 21, 1948, in Daytona Beach, Florida — and today it's the world's premiere stock car racing circuit.
France founded the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing — NASCAR — 75 years ago this week, on Feb. 21, 1948, in Daytona Beach, Florida. "His story is a great American success story." — NASCAR historian Ken Martin "Let’s just say he ‘ran the show.’ — NASCAR legend Richard Petty of Bill France Sr. Sports entertainment exploded across America in the years after the war. France added stock car racing to the national menu of sports options. English racer Sir Malcolm Campbell astounded onlookers by reaching a record speed of 278.6 MPH on Daytona Beach in 1935. "Dale Earnhardt's death was a pivotal moment in (NASCAR) history." — Ken Martin. Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
NASCAR has grown into the world’s premiere stock car racing circuit. "Big Bill," as he was known, is the unquestioned godfather of the autosport.