Brian France is the American CEO and Chairman of NASCAR, taking over the position from his father, Bill France, Jr., in 2003.[1] He is widely known and regarded as one of the most powerful men in sports. He was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential of the Century" in 2006. Through an uneasy economic climate, France has demonstrated astounding leadership in effectively navigating the sport with climbing attendance rates and high television ratings. He has been regularly listed as one of the most influential and powerful sports executive by Forbes Magazine, Business Week, Sports Business Journal, Sporting News and various other publications.
Brian France's grandfather Bill France, Sr. founded NASCAR in 1948. Since NASCAR is still privately owned, managed and operated within the France family, racing has made the entire France family billionaires. NASCAR has the second highest TV ratings and the second highest grossing revenue, after the National Football League (NFL), of any sport in the United States. The France Family is regarded as one of the most famous American families in modern day history and the family is known to be heavily involved in local and national level politics. NASCAR sanctions over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 39 states, as well as Mexico and Canada. NASCAR has presented exhibition races in Japan, Australia and there continues to be constant demand by international countries for NASCAR presence. Internationally, NASCAR races are broadcast in over 150 countries.
He has been praised for his green and environmentally conscious efforts and practices he has introduced and implemented at NASCAR. France, in conjunction with Growth Energy, led the way to introducing a cleaner burning, 15 percent ethanol blend fuel to the sport beginning in 2011. This hailed the way for NASCAR's long term commitment to "going green". July 2012, he was recognized in London at the prestigious Beyond Sports Summit for his efforts, hence the sport's efforts, in environmentally sound practices.
November 2012, France displayed his power to sustain NASCAR's media property, yet again, when Fox paid $2.4 billion, a 33 percent increase, to lock up rights to the first 13 races of the season through 2022. France will try to build on that next year when NASCAR sells the rights to the season’s other 23 races.
France also owns Brand Sense Partners, a Los Angeles-based licensing company whose clients include Britney Spears, Shabby Chic, Halle Berry, Sheryl Crow, Jenny McCarthy and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.[2] 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.
Early life [edit]
France was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States, and essentially grew up on the track. As a young child, he spent much of his time accompanying both his grandfather and father to work. At age 18, he officially entered the family business. His father, Bill France Jr., was notoriously known for being extremely tough on his son, often resulting in clashing viewpoints on how to manage the family business. His father, in his later years prior to his death in 2007, was able to accredit his son for his achievements and talents. France has lived in various states throughout his earlier career while managing racetracks and the opening of the additional NASCAR offices in Los Angeles and New York City.
Career [edit]
- France is regarded as the man who changed the sport into a global business. He negotiated a $750 million title sponsorship from Sprint Nextel, a $4.5 billion television contract with FOX, FX, TNT, ESPN and ABC; essentially consolidating TV rights - which had never been done in the sport's history.
- Named by Time Magazine as One of the Century's Most Influential in "TIME 100" in 2006 and one of the Best Sports Executives in 2007.
- France negotiated the Sirius Satellite Radio five-year, $108 million deal to become the official satellite radio partner of NASCAR beginning 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.
- Negotiated new television deals with several networks in 1999 and 2005
- France developed a diversity program, the Drive for Diversity, and the related marketing department that generates more than $2.2 billion in annual sales.
- 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.
Personal [edit]
- Married to his wife, Amy. Together, they formed and operate the Luke and Meadow France Foundation, a children's focused foundation, named after their twins that were born in November 2010.
References [edit]
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France, Brian |
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Daytona Beach, Florida, United States |
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