Bill France Jr passed away today

[Realtree]

Bill France Jr., who transformed NASCAR from a small Southern sport into a billion-dollar conglomerate during his 31 years as chairman, died Monday. He was 74. He died at his Daytona Beach, Fla., home, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said.

France had been in poor health for much of the last decade - he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. Although he was in remission, the extensive treatments took a toll. He never regained his full strength, often had difficulty breathing and had taken to using a motorized scooter to get around. France was hospitalized at least twice this year but spent his final days resting at home.

His last public appearance was Feb. 12 in Daytona Beach, where NASCAR's top names gathered to "Roast and Toast" him at the Bill France Hot Dog Dinner during the Daytona 500 build-up. Even there, especially there, France Jr., who ruled NASCAR with an iron fist, called the shots. His toasters that evening were gently reminded to avoid any harsh roasting. France did not speak during the dinner but received guests from his seat on the banquet floor.(Associated Press)

[mopho]

well, its abouttime ..  :hang:

[Outdoors Junkie]

Bill beat the odds and lived a lot longer then people expected when he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999.  He was a great leader of the sport of Nascar and was responsible for where it is today! 

[Woody]

I liked Bill France Jr.  As did most of the drivers!  I do NOT however care for his son Brian France-as he has changed NASCAR so much in the last 6-7 yrs.  I'm not a huge fan of the COT, the chase, and a handful of other things he's changed/ruined about NASCAR. 

At least now Bill is at peace and in no longer suffering.  (I'm unsure of your intentions regarding your comment Mopho)   ???

[holdemtwice]

  I THINK MOPHO'S FOOD DISH IS EMPTY .  i will ask pat. maybe he can fill it  for  MOPHO . HELL PAT MIGHT CHAIN HIM TO THE BUMPER OF HIS BURBAN AND SEE JUST HOW FAST HIS LITTLE LEGS WILL RUN .

  on a side note...........  it is a very sad day when anyone passes away . I would think most folks would respect that .

   HT

[Realtree]

Mopho that has got to be one of the rudest, most uncompassionate, and idiotic things I have ever heard anyone say about someone else's death. How in the world were you raised that you would think it is ok to say something so tasteless about someone else passing on? I am just in awe of your continued tasteless comments on this site. I hope that you are shown the same "compassion" by others in your life and also in your passing. Get a friggin' clue!!!      ::  ::

[Grute Man]

 ::dito   :rock:  ::dito  :rock:  ::dito   

Grute Man   ::cheers::

[holdemtwice]

   ::dito                   ::dito                       ::dito                           ::dito

      :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: