The France family and the extended NASCAR Nation is in mourning after the passing of Betty Jane France, considered by many to be the first lady Of NASCAR.
France, the widow of Bill France Jr. and mother of racing executives Brian France and Lesa France Kennedy, died Monday evening. A statement from NASCAR on Tuesday did not disclose details of her death, including her age.
"Last night, the NASCAR family lost a mother, a grandmother, a friend and the light that guided the sport's charitable arm," Brian France said in a statement. "My mother taught us incredible values, that of love, patience, compassion and joy. She embraced life every day, and nothing fueled her passion more than children. Her unmatched efforts in building The NASCAR Foundation improved the lives of millions of children throughout this country. And because of that, her legacy will live forever."
France was executive vice president and assistant treasurer of NASCAR and chair of the NASCAR Foundation. France was married to the son of NASCAR founder Bill France. Their son Brian is now chairman and CEO of NASCAR, while France Kennedy is CEO of International Speedway Corp, which includes Daytona International Speedway.
"They say behind every strong man is a very strong women," said Richard Petty, a seven-time Cup champion and co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports. "In this case, Betty Jane stood just as tall as Bill Jr. She did just as much as anyone to build the sport and help it grow."
France's stewardship of the foundation focused on health care for children, helping establish the "Speediatrics" children's care unit at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and at Homestead Hospital in South Florida.
"When we lost my father, her positive presence remained, as she used her immense skill to grow NASCAR's heart and soul, the NASCAR Foundation," Brian France said.
