Reports have varied widely as to his condition, with some saying he was nearly back to full health and other saying the opposite.
Several sources say, however, that France is much closer to the former than to the latter.
Meanwhile, members of the Sawyer family, which sold Richmond International Raceway to International Speedway Corporation last fall, said Saturday that they met with France Friday night. RIR president Paul Sawyer and track vp Wayne Sawyer say they are cautiously optimistic about France's long-term prospects. The Sawyers are long-time friends of the Frances. He said France looked to be well overall.