Auto racing giant Bill France Jr. died yesterday. His passing reminded me of something that happened in December of 1971. I was working at The Red & Black, the University of Georgia’s student newspaper, and figured I’d try a long shot. I sent a letter in care of the Daytona International Speedway asking for press passes with pit access for the upcoming Daytona 24 Hours. A week later I got a letter back from Bill Jr. with two press passes enclosed. A year later he became CEO of NASCAR, taking over from his father, but in 1971 he didn’t see it as beneath his pay grade to respond to requests for press passes. Thanks for those, Bill. May you rest in peace.