The prestigious Sailfish Cup fishing tournament will honor the late Bill France Jr., the former NASCAR Chairman and CEO, by naming the Sailfish Cup trophy in his honor at the annual awards gala on Nov. 12 in Miami.
The honor is in recognition of his contributions to stock-car and fishing - and his lifelong love of fishing. France passed away in June
2007 at the age of 74.
Following the lead and legacy of his father, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., France expanded the sport's following through the expansion of television coverage and the involvement of corporate America, giving millions of fans the opportunity to enjoy stock car racing at a national level.
The Sailfish Cup trophy, manufactured by New England Sterling Company, will be officially re-named at the Sailfish Cup Gala and Awards Banquet held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. NASCAR President Mike Helton, Honorary Chairman of the event, will host the evening of memories and celebration. A tribute and naming ceremony are proposed to accompany the evening which will conclude with the Sailfish Cup Awards Ceremony and the first awarding of the Bill France Jr. Memorial Sailfish Cup. Live and silent auctions to benefit The NASCAR Foundation and Speediatrics at Homestead Hospital are also planned.
France's involvement with racing began at a young age, selling tickets and concessions at the old beach-road course in Daytona Beach, Fla. He assisted his father in the construction of Daytona International Speedway and replaced his father as NASCAR's president in 1972.
In 2000, France became NASCAR's first chairman and CEO, and was replaced as president by Helton. In 2003, France's son Brian became the new chairman and CEO. France served as NASCAR Vice Chairman until his death.
"There are a number of NASCAR related trophies that bear the name Bill France Jr., but to have the Sailfish Cup renamed in his honor is the perfect tribute," said Helton. "Bill loved deep sea fishing with his friends and family. We are all very proud of this recognition."
"We are honored to commemorate Mr. France's accomplishments for NASCAR and sport fishing" said Christopher King, chairman of the Sailfish Cup Tournament. "This is our small way of remembering the passions of a great man. We hope that working with The NASCAR Foundation will help to enrich as many lives as Bill France Jr. did during his life."
The NASCAR Foundation embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation uses the strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
The Sailfish Cup tournament is produced by Executive Adventures and held annually at the Miami Beach Marina located in the heart of Miami's South Beach area. The catch-and-release event is scheduled for November 10-12, in conjunction with the final race of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the opening of the sailfish season.
Between 40-50 teams will compete over the course of two days for high-stakes prize money and the honor of having their names inscribed on the trophy. The Sailfish Cup debuted as the richest fishing tournament in Miami with a cash payout of more than $500,000.
