(DAYTONA BEACH, FL) -- NASCAR lost two family members Tuesday morning in a plane crash just outside of Orlando, Florida. "We, of course, are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Bruce Kennedy who is the husband of ISC President Lesa France Kennedy," said International Speedway Corporation spokesman Lenny Santiago. "No ISC officers or employees were on that plane," said Santiago.

Lesa France Kennedy is the daughter of the late NASCAR Chairman, Bill France Jr. The only other person on the plane was also killed. "It was a gentleman by the name of Michael Klemm. He is a senior captain with NASCAR Aviation."

A source told the Daytona Beach News-Journal that Kennedy, a Daytona Beach plastic surgeon, was practicing for his pilot's license. "We've got a great team of folks here to proceed through this type of situation," said Santiago.

Authorities say the twin-engine Cessna 310 was attempting to make an emergency landing. The small plane had just taken off when smoke apparently filled the cockpit.

The New Sprint Cup Series Logo

This was even before Nextel merged with Sprint in 2005. "Just the resources they can bring to the table are much greater than if they just went along under the Nextel brand." France maintains that the move gives NASCAR even more leverage to grow the sports. "I think it's going to help the exposure issue that we're always pushing ourselves." This marks only the third name change for the Cup Series in NASCAR's 60 year history.