A major leadership change is taking place at NASCAR, according to a new report from The Athletic. Jim France is stepping down from his role as CEO.
Videos by FanBuzz
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic broke the news on Friday as the entire industry descended upon Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR then confirmed the news with a press release.
France, the son of NASCAR founder Bill France, will step aside while current NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell will take over as the new CEO. France will remain chairman of NASCAR, and he will continue to hold his 54% ownership stake in the company.
A corresponding move will take place involving a different member of the family. Ben Kennedy will move on from his role of executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer. He will take over as chief operating officer.
"I am incredibly proud of the strength and stability we've achieved across the sport, which gives me tremendous confidence in our plan to transition leadership to Steve as NASCAR's next CEO and Ben as COO," said NASCAR Chairman Jim France.
"Together, they represent the future of the sport, and along with our world-class executive team and race team partners in the garage, they will guide NASCAR into its exciting next era."
This marks the first time in the history of stock car racing that someone other than a member of the France family will serve as CEO. Yet, O'Donnell has extensive ties to the sport.
The new NASCAR CEO has been a part of the company for 30 years while serving in multiple roles. At one point, he worked in marketing and helped out with the famed "hat dance" in victory lane, a tradition where the winning driver dons multiple hats for photographs.
O'Donnell has since worked his way up the competition ranks. For example, he worked as chief operating officer in recent years but became president in March 2025 when NASCAR promoted Steve Phelps to commissioner.
Phelps ultimately resigned ahead of the 2026 season as fallout from the antitrust lawsuit trial between NASCAR and 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports. This put more of a spotlight on O'Donnell as one of the faces of the sport.
Now, O'Donnell's role will expand even further as he replaces France. He will oversee all of NASCAR's racing series — which includes IMSA — and its tracks. He will also have a prominent role in strategic planning.
"It is an honor to step into the role of CEO working alongside Ben and our leadership team at such an important time for our sport," O'Donnell said.
"I have devoted nearly my entire l career to NASCAR, this garage and our fans, guided by the France family's commitment to deliver the best racing in the world. I am grateful and energized to continue to collaborate with our colleagues across our sport, while listening to our race fans to realize that vision each and every week."
