NASCAR's France honored aboard the Intrepid

Aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on Thursday, May 26, NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France accepted a 2011 Intrepid Salute Award in recognition of his support of the military, business achievements and important philanthropic activities.

France was joined by George Bodenheimer, president ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports, in being the first two sports personalities to be bestowed with the honor since the award was founded in 1992.

"It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of NASCAR, our drivers, teams and tracks who have all been ardent supporters of active and retired members of our nation's Armed Forces since our sport's inception,” France said. “Accepting the award will be especially humbling knowing that U.S. military servicemen and women from around the world tune in to NASCAR races each week as a respite from their ongoing service to our country. NASCAR has a long history of supporting active troops and veterans and we remain particularly proud to be a lead partner in recruiting young people into the Armed Forces."