NASCAR's Bill France has died

France was widely regarded as the man responsible for making NASCAR the successful series it currently is.

His father, William HC France, founded the series in 1947, but when France Jr took control in 1972, the series was still a regional affair in the Southeast and struggled to have enough coverage in the US.

In 2000, France handed the presidency of NASCAR over to Mike Helton after being diagnosed with cancer. He named his son Brian Z France the CEO and chairman of NASCAR in 2003 but still remained a member of the NASCAR board of directors.

"He had a remarkable career and an even more remarkable life," said his son Brian in a statement today. "Words cannot express how much he'll be missed by myself and the rest of our family and by the NASCAR industry overall."

Under France's leadership, International Speedway Corporation - also a business owned by his family - grew from running just Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway in 1972, into a twelve-track conglomerate that now hosts 19 of the 36 Nextel Cup races.

"He blazed so many trails for our sport," said NASCAR president Mike Helton. "He was determined to follow the vision of his father while also expanding on that vision. Over nearly four decades, he did a masterful job."

France got started in motorsports by helping his father in minor roles, moving on to flagman during races, steward and also promoting events. He was also a driver and loved motorcycles, actually racing the Baja 1000 in 1971.

France was hospitalized at least twice this year but spent his final days resting at home. His last public appearance was on February 12 in Daytona Beach in the build-up to the Daytona 500.

He is survived by his wife Betty Jane, his son Brian, his daughter Lesa France Kennedy, president of International Speedway Corporation; his brother James C France, NASCAR's vice chairman and executive vice president; and three grandchildren.