Jim France leaves as head of NASCAR track operator

[April 15, 2009]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Jim France is stepping down as head of International Speedway Corp., the largest operator of NASCAR tracks.

Lesa France, the granddaughter of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., will assume her uncle's role as chief executive officer of ISC. The change becomes official June 1.

The France family formed NASCAR and ISC, and the two companies are closely linked and run by France family members.

ISC owns 11 tracks that host 19 premier Sprint Cup Series races each season. ISC's crown jewel is Daytona International Speedway.

Jim France began working for his father at ISC in 1959, when he was 14, and became president in 1987.

[Associated Press; By JENNA FRYER]

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