Betty France – A Biography

Bill France Jr. and mother to current NASCAR CEO Brian France and Lesa France Kennedy has passed away, as has Bill France’s longtime chairwoman Emerita of The NASCAR Foundation, Jo France.

She took an interest in more than just running her family’s racing business; she championed healthcare for children and helped establish the Speediatrics children’s care unit at Halifax Health Medical Center.

Early Life and Education

Betty France was instilled with a love of learning by her mother. After graduating college, Betty taught high school on a military base in France where she met Bill France – her future spouse!

At 24, Betty joined the National Organization for Women (NOW), becoming a leader in its movement. She advocated against job discrimination and sought improved child care services along with free legal abortion services.

She was actively engaged with local and charitable groups such as Girl Scouts and American Red Cross. Additionally, she was an ardent philanthropist donating generously towards projects benefitting children; among these was helping establish the ‘Speediatrics’ children’s care units at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in Homestead – touching many lives with her generosity. Sadly she leaves two daughters and three grandchildren behind to continue this legacy of generosity.

Professional Career

Betty Jane France was an exceptional philanthropist who dedicated herself to caring for those around her. While helping build and expand the NASCAR empire alongside her husband, she also advocated on various causes outside the family business.

She was well known for her dedication to children’s health, helping to establish the “Speediatrics” children’s care unit at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach and Homestead where International Speedway Corporation owns racetracks. Additionally, she served as one of the early leaders of the NASCAR Foundation and for years served as chairwoman.

Even with her luxurious office overlooking Halifax River, yacht, private jet and celebrity wardrobe – including designer clothing worthy of any celebrity – she always maintained strong roots in Daytona Beach. As her airplane approached Volusia County she would gaze out the window admiring palm trees and blue water of her hometown.

Achievement and Honors

Betty Jane France made an enormous impactful in motorsports as the wife and mother of NASCAR founder Bill France Jr. and racing executives Brian France and Lesa France Kennedy; her philanthropic efforts are honored each year through Nationwide’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

NASCAR fans who demonstrate charitable and community service work are honored with this prize, selected through an online vote. Finalists receive donations from the NASCAR Foundation in support of their initiatives.

France was passionate about driver safety in NASCAR and implemented several safety measures within the sport. She was also a pioneer for women in motorsports – serving as a role model and inspiration to female racecar drivers aspiring to join NASCAR.

Personal Life

Rachel Shteir provides the first biography of Betty Friedan written in over twenty years. Utilizing Friedan’s papers and interviews with family members, this enthralling account chronicles Friedan from childhood until her death while showing how her pioneering writings on feminism were ahead of their time.

Betty Jane France, known for her advocacy work for children as the First Lady of NASCAR and as an influential community figure, passed away Monday at 72.

France was executive vice president and assistant treasurer for NASCAR as well as chairwoman of their Foundation. Additionally, she worked with Junior League of Daytona Beach and American Red Cross; to honor her service the foundation established the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2011.

Net Worth

Betty France, known for her charitable activities and awards for them, has amassed an estimated net worth of $500 Million. Her net worth can be estimated by going by estimates alone.

She has made significant contributions to healthcare organizations and is widely acknowledged for her contributions to children’s health, especially with regard to Speediatrics – children’s care unit of Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital of Homestead Florida.

Her efforts have been recognized, with her receiving the Halifax Medical Center Foundation’s Humanitarian Award. She continues to be active in community-based programs geared toward women and infants while being part of both Junior League of Daytona Beach and American Red Cross services.