NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR's France upbeat despite challenges

Published Apr. 6, 2009 11:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

NASCAR Chairman Brian France made his presence known at Texas Motor Speedway.

Given the current economy, for many in the garage it was reassuring to see a member of the sport's founding family mingling among the rank and file — particularly after General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner was asked to resign by the White House last week. GM currently supports 14 of the top 40 teams in NASCAR.

France has kept the lines of communication open with the manufacturers in Detroit — and abroad. And he firmly believes that racing is still the best possible marketing vehicle for NASCAR car manufacturers Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota.