William H.G. France, affectionately known as “Big Bill” in the NASCAR community, was the man who made NASCAR.
He helped lay out the first race course on Daytona Beach and finished 5th in the inaugural race there. Then, in 1947, he was one of the integral people in the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).
Since that day he made it his life’s purpose to further developing the sport.
In 1972, he gave up the helm to his son Bill France Jr.
He passed away in 1992 but left his legacy for all racing fans to enjoy.
