Jim France has been heavily involved in the IMSA sports car series in recent yearsgetty images
NASCAR interim Chair & CEO Jim France is expected to be at track as soon as this weekend’s action at Michigan, according to a source, as he tries to instill confidence and stability in the industry following the arrest of his nephew, Brian France. Jim France, the longtime NASCAR BOD member and brother of Bill France Jr., usually keeps a low profile in recent years even when he is at races. While he may not hold an official press conference, France is likely to be at and have a higher profile around this weekend’s race at Michigan, as the industry tries to move on from the news of Brian France's indefinite leave of absence. Jim France has been heavily involved in the IMSA sports car series in recent years but had gotten more involved in NASCAR again this year even before Brian France’s arrest. The source said he also will be at other races over the next several weeks in addition to Michigan (Adam Stern, Staff Writer).
WHEELS KEEP ON TURNING: The AP's Jenna Fryer wrote few people "seemed concerned about the direction" of NASCAR with Brian France sidelined. There is "no clear indication" of how hands-on France was or "what kind of void his absence will create." NASCAR stakeholders are hopeful Jim France can be a "steadying hand in trying times for the series." Jim France and ISC CEO Lesa France Kennedy, Brian's older sister, have "always been in the mix" of both NASCAR and ISC, but the "role of face of the family fell to Brian." Driver Denny Hamlin said, "Lesa and Jim are going to do a great job. I'm confident in the leadership of NASCAR." Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy are "not accustomed to public roles" and "neither said anything" as of yesterday. So it is "basically business as usual for NASCAR" (AP, 8/7). ESPN's Pablo Torre said, "This is a terrible look for the head of your sport" ("High Noon," ESPN, 8/7).
IN GOOD HANDS: NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs said that Jim France's involvement in the sport "allows him to make a smooth transition." Gibbs: "I met with Jim France himself recently. He's up to date with everything, been part of all the big decisions, so I think we're fortunate to have him step in" (ESPN.com, 8/7). USA TODAY's Mike Hembree writes NASCAR leadership is "in good hands with Jim France." He is "respected both within the tight-knit community of NASCAR drivers and owners and outside in the broader world of international motorsports." He could "start his tenure at the top" this week with some "out-front moves" at Michigan. He should "schedule a press conference and answer questions about the short- and long-term future of a sport." He "should be visible." Brian France "rarely has been seen in garage areas." Jim France should "take over discussions about where this sport is headed and how it’s going to get there." The time for "radical thought and assertive action is now" (USA TODAY, 8/8). ESPN's Sarah Spain said France's DWI and drug charge are "really difficult to reconcile" with his efforts to promote safety and drug testing in NASCAR. Spain: "You're also expecting people to answer to a guy that doesn't seem to have his own house in order. This feels like a pretty obvious decision for NASCAR" ("Highly Questionable," ESPN, 8/7). Meanwhile, NASCAR team co-owner Felix Sabates said that Brian France "deserves to be welcomed back into NASCAR whenever he's ready." Sabates: "We need to find it in our hearts to forgive Brian for his mistakes. Whenever he finishes what he needs to do, we all at NASCAR need to welcome him back with open arms" (AP, 8/7).
WHO'S NEXT? In N.Y., Kevin Draper writes the next owner of NASCAR will "have to play the long game of developing the next generation of fans." NASCAR's fortunes have been "falling for a decade." Its TV ratings are "down by about half" since '05. The age of the average NASCAR viewer is 58, and the fan base is "skewing older faster than that of any other sport." These difficulties "aren’t unique" to NASCAR. A potential buyer of NASCAR would "receive only its rule book and media rights, not tracks or teams." ISC is a "publicly traded company." The France family "owns a controlling stake, but it is separate" from the NASCAR stake. Sources said that a potential buyer for NASCAR would "likely want to buy control of ISC as well" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/8).
