Brian France

Brian France (born August 2, 1962) is the CEO and Chairman of NASCAR, taking over the position from his father, Bill France, Jr., in 2003. He is widely known and regarded as one of the most powerful men in sports. France pioneered NASCAR out of a Southeast based sport, into a national and international multi billion dollar success. Prior to becoming Chairman and CEO, he had previously managed NASCAR’s marketing department and touring divisions and was the creator of the Craftsman Truck Series. France graduated from the University of Central Florida.

France also owns Brandsense Partners, a Los Angeles based company whose clients include Halle Berry, Sheryl Crow, Jenny McCarthy, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Brian France’s grandfather founded NASCAR in 1948. Since NASCAR is still privately owned and contained within the France family, racing has made everyone in the France family billionaires. NASCAR has the second highest TV ratings, after the National Football League, in the United States. NASCAR sanctions over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 39 states, and Canada. NASCAR has presented exhibition races in Suzuka City, Japan, Motegi City, Japan, Mexico, and Melbourne, Australia. Internationally, NASCAR races are broadcast in over 150 countries. He is married to Amy.

Career Highlights

• France is accredited with taking the sport to a global business. He created a $750 million title sponsorship from Sprint/Nextel, a $4.5 billion television contract with Fox, FX, TNT, ESPN and ABC; ssentially consolidated TV rights – which had never been done in history.
• France developed a diversity program, female driver program and a marketing department that generates more than $2.2 billion in annual sales.
• Named by Time Magazine as One of the Century’s Most Influential in “TIME 100” in 2006.
• Named by Time Magazine as One of the Best Sports Executives in 2007.
• Named one of the five most powerful sports executives by The Sporting News, The Sports Business Journal and Sports Illustrated in 2005 and multiple years.
• Owns all licensing rights and royalties to Britney Spears fragrances.
• France negotiated the Sirius Satellite Radio five-year, $108 million deal to become the official satellite radio partner of NASCAR beginning in 2007.
• Founded the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup in 2004.
• Negotiated new television deals with several networks in 1999 and 2005.
• Opened and managed NASCAR’s Los Angeles and New York City offices.
• Founder of the Craftsman Truck Series in 1995.
• Managed several short tracks, including Tucson Raceway Park in Arizona in the earlier years of his career.