Additional Coverage:
- NASCAR makes major change in front office, including new CEO in unprecedented move: report (foxnews.com)
NASCAR Prepares for Leadership Shift as Jim France Steps Down as CEO
In a significant transition for NASCAR, Jim France is set to step down from his role as CEO, marking the first time the organization will be led by someone outside the France family. The Athletic reported on Friday that Steve O’Donnell, currently NASCAR’s president, will assume the CEO position. Jim France will continue to serve as chairman of the board.
This change concludes an era that began in 1948 when Jim’s father founded NASCAR, which has since evolved into America’s premier motorsport. Alongside this leadership change, Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew and the current executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, will be promoted to chief operating officer.
The official announcements are expected during the weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, ahead of Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 race.
Jim France took over as CEO and chairman in August 2018, following the departure of his nephew, Brian France. Despite stepping down as CEO, France retains his majority 54% ownership stake in NASCAR, with the remaining 46% held by Kennedy’s mother.
This transition follows other notable changes in NASCAR’s leadership earlier this year, including the departure of commissioner Steve Phelps. Phelps resigned amid controversy stemming from an antitrust lawsuit filed by two racing teams, including Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing. The suit, which highlighted contentious revenue-sharing negotiations and inflammatory text messages from Phelps, was settled in December.
Although speculation arose about the influence of these events on France’s decision, he has reportedly emphasized that his stepping down was planned well in advance and unrelated to recent legal matters.
As NASCAR moves forward under new leadership, the organization looks to continue its legacy while navigating the evolving landscape of motorsport.