Brian France (born August 2, 1962) is the American CEO and Chairman of NASCAR, taking over the position from his father, Bill France, Jr., in 2003. He was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential of the Century" in 2006. He was named one of the five most powerful sports executives by The Sporting News in 2005.Brian France's grandfather Bill France, Sr. founded NASCAR in 1948. Since NASCAR is still privately owned, managed and operated within the France family, racing has made the France family billionaires.France studied at the University of Central Florida but did not earn a degree. He managed several short tracks, including Tucson Raceway Park in Arizona in the earlier years of his career. Prior to becoming Chairman and CEO, he had previously managed NASCAR's marketing department and touring divisions and was the creator of the Craftsman Truck Series. After assuming control of NASCAR in 2003, France negotiated a title sponsorship from Sprint Nextel. France also owns Brand Sense Partners, a Los Angeles-based licensing company and owns the licensing rights of Britney Spears, among others.