Tragic Death Of NASCAR’s First Lady Devastates Sport

NASCAR.com

The loss of this legendary NASCAR leader has left the entire community shaken and devastated. 

The CEO and Chairman of NASCAR, Brian France released a statement through the NASCAR website about the tragic death of his mother, and beloved Matriarch of the longtime racing community.

Betty Jane France, wife of the late Bill France Jr. and mother of two racing executives passed away on Monday from an unspecified cause. Her age was never publicly known. 

France became an early leader in NASCAR after starting out in the accounting department, and her late husband was the former CEO, but it is likely her strong presence with charities for which she is best known. 

She founded the NASCAR Foundation in 2006, assuming role as its chairperson and established the “Speediatrics” unit for children at two Florida hospitals. NASCAR also awards an annual ‘Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award’ that honors the passionate commitment France has demonstrated with her immense work with charities and community efforts. 

Needless to say, it was not only her family that was strongly affected by her passing, but many racing superstars as well. 

 

Our sport lost another great woman today. Betty Jane France will be missed.

— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) August 30, 2016

 

Sad to hear of the passing of Betty Jane France. The entire France family is in our thoughts and prayers. ??

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) August 30, 2016

 

 

Funeral arrangements are pending and no additional details have been released by NASCAR or her family. 

We are keeping the France family and all of NASCAR in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. 

Please watch the video below showing one of the finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, Michael Jackson.