There are many families who have been in NASCAR for a long time. There are two families, however, that stand out in it's history as having been influential in the sport.

The Frances and the Pettys are two families that have been a part of racing for several generations. They have played very different roles within the sport but have both helped it become what it is today.

"Big Bill" France, Sr. formed NASCAR in 1948. He ran a gas station, raced cars on the side, and dreamt of making racing a true sport with rules, regulations, and a governing body. Bill, Sr. successfully ran the nation's largest stock car association until he handed over the reigns to his son, Bill France, Jr., in 1972.

Bill, Jr. made the North American Stock Car Association into a national pastime with sound business decisions and a little luck. Brian France, third generation, took over the helm in 2003 and the sport has grown by leaps and bounds since then.

Brian has made some major changes, the Chase for the Cup being the most daring change, but all of the changes have served only to increase racing's popularity and widen its fan base. And the sport's popularity doesn't only extend to watching the races. People are buying NASCAR collectibles, NASCAR diecast, and NASCAR merchandise like never before.

The Petty dynasty began with Lee Petty who raced in the very first race ever organized by Bill France, Sr. It was actually his son, Richard "The King" Petty, who has made the Petty family well known to the public.

Richard Petty impresses fans with his gentle manner and his devotion to his family. Richard's son Kyle has proven himself on the track and is now the CEO of Petty Enterprises.

The careers and lives of Lee, Richard, and Kyle inspired Kyle's son Adam to follow in their footsteps. Adam Petty was a promising up and coming driver but in 2000, during a practice run, his car crashed into a wall and he was killed. Adam's legacy lives on through the charitable foundations created by his family in his memory.

The Pettys are loyal to NASCAR. Not only has it provided the Pettys with financial success but careers that they love and are proud of.

There are many more families who have impacted racing in their own ways. The France's and the Petty's longstanding presence in the sport has lent constancy and strength throughout the years. We hope these two families are around for generations to come.

Written by: David Stargel

Nascar Merchandise

	NASCAR Tony Stewart #14 4-Piece Barbecue Set List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $33.64
	The Tony Stewart 4-piece BBQ set from B.S.I. includes a stainless steel spatula, brush, fork and tongs. Each utensil in this officially licensed set is designed with durable, team-colored handles that are inlaid with the driver's car number and race team logo...

	Dale Earnhardt 6 Pieces Coaster Set Sale Price: $20.50
	Dale Earnhardt coasters. Set of racing coasters, featuring team graphics, numbers and more. Made of durable copolymer, helps prevent damaging delicate surfaces. Great for any occasion!

	Siskiyou Sports Baltimore Ravens 18 oz NFL Stainless Steel Travel Mug List Price: $27.00
	Our stainless steel travel mug has a uniquely sculpted and enameled pewter emblem that is designed to depict both the team and its community. Its 16-ounce capacity will keep your drink hot or cold wherever you may be.

	Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Wall Decal List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $70.97
	Please Note: These will not adhere to textured walls These lifesized officially licensed graphics are constructed from tough, tear- and fade- resistant vinyl with a low-tack adhesive that lets you move and remove them from walls without damaging surfaces.

	Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls Fathead Jr. Wall Decal Sale Price: $34.99
	Your hoops decorations should be as spectacular as the players themselves. Add some bold NBA flair to your office or fan cave when you display this Fathead® Chicago Bulls Derrick Rose junior wall graphic...

	MLB New York Yankees Team Logo Assortment Fathead Jr. Wall Decal Sale Price: $39.99
	New York Yankees - Fathead Fathead Junior Wall Graphics - New York Yankees Team Logo Assortment MLB Fathead Junior Wall Graphics - Item: 15-15214

	NASCAR - IMAX Experience DVD List Price: $17.00 Sale Price: $1.75
	Warner Brothers makes its first foray into the IMAX arena with NASCAR: IMAX Experience DVD. The 3D film takes you inside the fast-paced action of America's popular spectator sport.

	Nascar - Dale Jr. Green w.88 (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) List Price: $29.95
	The NASCAR® driver lighter from Zippo® is decorated in the team colors and designed with a high-polish chrome finish. This high-quality lighter is designed with the driver's pad printed graphics on the front.

	Fathead Connecticut Huskies Helmet Wall Graphic List Price: $89.99
	Every time you walk into the room you can see your passion for hoops with this Fathead® Connecticut Huskies Logo Wall Graphic. Constructed from tough, tear and fade-resistant vinyl, the graphic features high-resolution 3D graphics and displays separate mini graphics...

	Stock Car Pinata Sale Price: $10.99
	This Stock Car Pinata is great for any race fan. Each Stock Cap Pinata is green and gray, with a red number 88 on the side. This car looks fast, but isn't quick enough to escape getting smashed. 21" x 9" x 4"