JULY 9, 2008

France goes to Woking

Jim France, vice chairman of the board of directors and executive vice president of NASCAR and the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation, was a visitor to the McLaren technical centre in Woking, Surrey, to day. It is not clear what France was doing in Woking but it seems that he was impressed by what he saw.

Jim France, vice chairman of the board of directors and executive vice president of NASCAR and the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation, was a visitor to the McLaren technical centre in Woking, Surrey, to day. It is not clear what France was doing in Woking but it seems that he was impressed by what he saw.

"I have seen a lot more technology than I would in the garages at Nascar and IRL level where obviously they are also dedicated racers and working with whatever materials they have," he said. "However, I am impressed by the level of manufacturing capability at the McLaren Technology Centre and the development and engineering that goes on at this facility".

The team said that the visit had provided "a fantastic opportunity to discuss and compare notes on our differing areas of motorsport".

One can speculate as to the purpose of the visit. France has no real need for anything McLaren is offering, apart perhaps for some of the ideas that are now being marketed by the new McLaren Applied Technologies company.

The son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr, France began working in racing circles in 1959 and has been head of the ISC since 1987. He was a close advisor to his brother Bill France Jr, the boss of NASCAR, for many years and holds a similar position with his nephew, the current chairman Brian France.

France is also involved in the world of GrandAm racing.

We understand that France is in the UK to attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed.