Bill France Jr...not sure what his official title was, but he was a big cheese in the organization and is credited with the Nascar popularity gains over the past few years...died this afternoon, announced during the race today...
Took over from his dad, the founder of NASCAR, in the mid 70's and pretty much made the sport what it is today.
The sponsers, tv deals, recognition, the expansion were all because of Mr. France Jr. After Mike Joy announced his death, he, DW and Larry Mac were all fairly silent for the rest of the race, because of the close ties they had with him and how much he meant to the sport.