Brian France takes over NASCAR's reign

Just hours after Bill France, Jr. announced that he would not retire as the Chairman of the Board and President of the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, his son Brian France was named as his successor.

In 1994, Brian France took his first major step up the ladder when he took over the marketing arm NASCAR. He was one of the major players behind the drive to open the new research and development tech center.

Furthermore, Brian France was a leading force in developing the Craftsman Truck Series, and helped manage the Weekly and Touring series divisions.

"I've been fortunate to spend my entire life in this sport," expressed Brian France on his new position as CEO. "I have worked with some of the giants who made NASCAR what it is today, starting with my father and grandfather."

Bill France, Jr. took over the reigns of NASCAR in 1972 after his father William stepped down. France sculpted the "modern-era" of NASCAR racing, bringing it from a Southern sport steeped in tradition, to one of the biggest sports in America today.

France Jr. will remain as a vice chairman. "Brian is well prepared to lead this sport and this company into the future.

NASCAR is my life's work, and my father's before me; this decision is probably one of the most important ones I've made at NASCAR -- and I know it's the right decision."

Brian France looks to follow that leadership role model by growing the sport into more markets, and focusing on safety.

"NASCAR has always stood for quality," France continued. "I am proud and honored to lead this great company into the future and build on that tradition of quality."

NASCAR Director of Corporate Communications, Jim Hunter also stated that no further senior management changes were expected. A conference call to discuss the matter further, was set for Monday morning.