Who was Bill France Sr. and why did he start NASCAR?

Bill France Sr. was born on September 26th, 1909 and grew up near Washington, DC.

In his younger years he taught himself mechanics and took formal training in banking. Bill France's first "real" job was as a bank clerk. However that was short-lived since Bill didn't feel that banking was his calling.

The Motorsports Bug Bites

In the early 1930s Bill France was working as a mechanic and had opened his own garage near Washington, DC. In his free time he was also racing the local dirt track circuit.

Bill France Moves South

In 1934 Bill France Sr. moved from Washington, DC to Daytona Beach Florida. Actually, Bill intended to move to Miami but his car broke down in Daytona Beach. He liked the area so he decided to stay there.

At that time Daytona Beach was famous for its land speed record attempts along the beach. However, the larger, safer, Bonneville Salt Flats had just opened and Daytona was losing much of its speed record appeal.

Bill Finds Success In Daytona

In 1936 Daytona Beach held its first beach/road course race. By then Bill France was a local gas station owner and was active in the local racing scene. Bill France Sr. entered and finished fifth in that first race.

Just a few years later Bill France Sr. was asked to run the races as promoter. Bill was not enthusiastic about taking on the job. However, after failing to find anyone else who would do it, Bill agreed.