The legacy of the late Bill France, who died last month at the age of 74, is multi-faceted. Descriptions of that legacy inevitably focus on the vision he had for NASCAR’s growth, a vision that was in many ways a modern-day extension of that of his father, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.
Bill Jr. ’s vision included a concept once thought to be the ultimate longshot: A NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
That vision clarified in 1994, when France’s concept became reality with the running of the inaugural Brickyard 400.
NASCAR’s arrival at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was prefaced by what could be called a “trial balloon” in the form of NASCAR Busch Series racing at nearby O’Reilly Raceway Park, starting in 1982. That event resulted largely from the efforts of Bob Daniels, then the general manager at ORP. In 1995, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series started racing at ORP as well.
Collectively, those two events and the 400 represent a stunning tripleheader this week.
“Bob Daniels brought NASCAR to Indy for the first time and what he did opened the door to what would become one of the biggest weeks in American motorsports each year, ” Bill France said in an interview several years ago.
With the door opened, France and IMS President Tony George peered inside. They saw nothing but potential.
And now, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard represents potential realized.
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