Remembering Betty Jane France, First Lady of NASCAR

Betty Jane France, arguably the First Lady of NASCAR, has passed away. She is remembered for her great philanthropic efforts that transcended the sport.

The matriarch of NASCAR stock car racing has passed away. Betty Jane France, wife of former chairman and CEO Bill France Jr., passed away on Monday. She had served as the executive vice president and assistant treasurer of the stock car association, as well as chairperson of the NASCAR Foundation.

France is survived by two of the leading faces in NASCAR today. Her daughter, Lesa France Kennedy, serves as the CEO of the International Speedway Corporation (ISC), which runs close to half the tracks on the series circuit. Her son is Brian France, the current chairman and CEO of the sport’s sanctioning body. Her grandson also is involved in the sport. Ben Kennedy is currently a driver in the Camping World Truck Series.

Following her passing, NASCAR CEO Brian France released the following statement:

"Last night, the NASCAR family lost a mother, a grandmother, a friend and the light that guided the sport’s charitable arm. 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.My father leaned on my mother throughout his life, relying on her wisdom and calming demeanor to help grow the sport of NASCAR. She was there, every step of the way. 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.My mother was a special woman, and an impressive person, and she will be dearly missed."

Speedway Motorsports Inc., the direct competitor to ISC, released the following statement on behalf of their CEO Marcus Smith:

"Our Speedway Motorsports’ family extends our deepest sympathies to the France family today and mourns with all of NASCAR on the passing of Betty Jane France. She had an unwavering heart for service as evidenced by her tireless work with the NASCAR Foundation and passion for helping children in need. She touched many lives in such a positive way. Her guiding voice to expand the sport’s contributions and community involvement beyond the speedway will be her everlasting legacy."

France is remembered for her many great humanitarian efforts over the years, particularly those involving children. She became chairwoman of the NASCAR Foundation in 2004, and spearheaded the creation of the “Speediatrics” division at the Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 2008, she was named honorary co-chair of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.

Tributes and condolences have poured in from across the NASCAR community:

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Betty Jane France’s name will live on in the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, given at the NASCAR Awards ceremony at the end of the season. And the legacy of France in the NASCAR Foundation and her efforts with children will continue to inspire those in and out of the sport to make a difference.

On behalf of all of us from Beyond The Flag, we send our heartfelt condolences to the France family and all who were touched by this great leader and philanthropist.