NASCAR's Founding Family Transforms Daytona Beach

Four generations of the France family have built Daytona Beach into a motorsports mecca.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 1:47pm

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The France family, founders of NASCAR, have transformed the city of Daytona Beach, Florida into a hub for motorsports and entertainment over the past four generations. From building the iconic Daytona International Speedway to developing the One Daytona mixed-use complex, the Frances have left an indelible mark on the community, making it a premier destination for racing, events, and tourism.

Why it matters

The France family's deep roots and ongoing investments in Daytona Beach have elevated the city's profile, bringing in major events, conventions, and tourism dollars. Their commitment to the community has helped preserve the city's identity as a motorsports mecca, even as the region has evolved over the decades.

The details

The France family first came to Daytona Beach in the 1930s, with Bill France Sr. founding NASCAR in 1940 at the Streamline Hotel. The family has maintained a strong presence in the city ever since, with four generations now calling it home. They have built the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the iconic Daytona 500 race, as well as the One Daytona mixed-use development that has brought major retail and entertainment options to the area.

  • Bill France Sr. fled Washington, D.C. and arrived in Daytona Beach in the mid-1930s.
  • In 1940, France Sr. gathered a group of racers at the Streamline Hotel to create the framework for what would become NASCAR.
  • Construction on the Daytona International Speedway began in 1957.
  • The Daytona 500 race has been held annually since the speedway's opening.
  • One Daytona, a France family-developed mixed-use complex, opened in late 2017.

The players

Bill France Sr.

The founder of NASCAR, who fled to Daytona Beach in the 1930s and went on to build the Daytona International Speedway.

Lesa France Kennedy

The executive vice chair of NASCAR and France Sr.'s granddaughter, who developed the One Daytona mixed-use complex.

Brian France

The former NASCAR chairman and son of Bill France Jr., who spent 15 years leading the organization.

Jim France

The current NASCAR chairman and son of Bill France Sr., who lives along the Halifax River in Daytona Beach.

Ben Kennedy

The 34-year-old great-grandson of Bill France Sr. who has chosen Daytona Beach as his home as he climbs the ranks towards taking over NASCAR.

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What they’re saying

“It is pretty remarkable that family, multiple generations, has chosen to stay here when they could literally live anywhere in the United States.”

— Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director, Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

“My sister really has a developer mindset and a process to bringing people together. She has a lot of passion and vision, and she drives these projects and doesn't really get enough credit for that.”

— Brian France

“We now have this fabulous entertainment facility directly across from the track that our fans can enjoy. Plus, I like fun things to do, too.”

— Lesa France Kennedy, Executive Vice Chair, NASCAR

What’s next

The France family continues to invest in Daytona Beach, with ongoing renovations at the historic Billy's Tap Room and efforts to bring more Florida-based businesses into the One Daytona development.

The takeaway

The France family's deep commitment to Daytona Beach over four generations has transformed the city into a premier motorsports and entertainment destination, cementing its status as the 'World Center of Racing' and bringing in major events, conventions, and tourism dollars that have benefited the local community.