NASCAR matriarch Betty Jane France passes away

“We are saddened by the passing of my mother and inspiration Betty Jane France,” Lesa France Kennedy, her daughter, said in a statement. “She played a significant role in NASCAR’s history, leading the charge to elevate the experience of our sport for the fans who love it, and her philanthropic efforts will forever remain a part of our sport.

“Beyond her greatest community service, her starring role was that of mother to my brother Brian and me. She was an incredible role model, cherished friend, and someone who demonstrated limitless possibilities that helped so many people pursue their dreams.

“Her legacy will be treasured and she will forever be missed not only by her loving family and close friends, but by the many lives she touched along the way.”

A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Betty Jane France met her husband, William C. France Jr. in her hometown. They married and relocated to Daytona Beach, Fla. Bill France Jr. eventually became the chairman and CEO of NASCAR. He died in June 2007 at the age of 74.

“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,” NASCAR Chairman Brian France, her son, said in a statement.

“Our family thanks you for all of your thoughts, prayers and well wishes. My mother was a special woman, and an impressive person, and she will be dearly missed.”

A longtime community leader in Daytona Beach, Mrs. France was perhaps best known as a champion of health care for children.  She assisted in establishing of the “Speediatrics” children’s care unit at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and was also instrumental in the establishment of a similar unit at Homestead (Fla.) Hospital.

In 2003, Mrs. France was presented the Halifax Medical Center Foundation’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of her advocacy, commitment, support and advancement of health care and human services for women, infants, children and families.

Mrs. France was named chairwoman of the NASCAR Foundation upon the foundation’s inception in 2004. The foundation is a 501c(3) national charity that impacts children’s lives through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

The award was created by NASCAR in 2011 and named in Mrs. France’s honor. Through the NASCAR Foundation, the annual award recognizes outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans.

“They say behind every strong man is a very strong woman,” NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty said in a statement. “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. The Petty family sends our thoughts to Brian, Lesa and the entire France family at this time.”

Mrs. France is survived by her son, Brian; her daughter, Lesa, the CEO of International Speedway Corporation; and several grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are not completed at this time.

Her grandson, Ben Kennedy, a fulltime driver in the Camping World Truck Series who won his first race earlier this month, posted the following tweet on Monday night:

By Tuesday morning, several NASCAR drivers, executives and tracks were issuing statements of condolences.