Bill France Junior

A central figure in the development of NASCAR racing, Bill France Junior died in early June at the age of 74 after a seven-year battle with cancer. His role in the race series and many of its venues made him one of the most important names in American motorsport.

Following on from his father, Bill Senior, the founder of NASCAR, he headed the series for 28 years until 2000 and was central to its massive success. 

When he took over from his father in 1972, Bill Junior expanded the series via TV coverage and other venues across North America. His International Speedway Corporation owned 12 of the tracks on the calendar, including Daytona.