Steve O'Donnell to replace Jim France as CEO of NASCAR

In a move that marks the end of nearly eight decades of direct France family leadership in NASCAR’s day-to-day operations, 81-year-old Jim France (pictured next to Steve O’Donnell) is stepping down as CEO of the sanctioning body. He will remain as Chairman of the Board and retain his controlling 54% ownership stake. Current NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell, a 30-year veteran of the organization and the first non-France family member to hold the top executive role, is set to take over as CEO.

The changes, first reported by The Athletic and quickly confirmed across multiple outlets including ESPN, FOX Sports, Sports Business Journal, and Jayski.com, are expected to be formally announced this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. As part of the reshuffle, Ben Kennedy—Jim France’s great-nephew and a fourth-generation member of the founding family—will be promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

A Seismic Shift for NASCAR’s Founding Family

NASCAR was founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr. (Jim’s father). For 78 years, the top leadership role has always been held by a France family member. Jim France assumed the CEO position in 2018 following the abrupt resignation of his nephew, Brian France, amid legal issues. At the time, Jim’s move was viewed by some as a stabilizing “stopgap” measure. He has since overseen significant growth, including new media rights deals, the introduction of the Next Gen car, playoff format tweaks, and international expansion efforts.

France’s niece, Lesa France Kennedy, continues to hold the remaining 46% ownership stake. With Jim staying on as Chairman, the family retains ultimate control of the privately held company while handing operational leadership to an outsider for the first time in history.

Who Is Steve O’Donnell?

O’Donnell, 57, joined NASCAR in 1996 in the marketing department and steadily climbed the ranks. Key milestones in his career include:
– Helping develop the NASCAR Playoffs format.
– Leading the rollout of stage racing in 2017.
– Overseeing the development and launch of the Next Gen car in 2022.
– Serving as Chief Operating Officer starting in March 2022.
– Being named President in 2025 (his 30th year with the company).

Industry insiders describe O’Donnell as a steady, experienced operator with deep knowledge of everything from competition rules and venue operations to marketing and broadcast partnerships. His promotion signals a continued focus on the strategic initiatives launched under the France era while potentially bringing fresh operational energy.

Ben Kennedy’s Promotion Keeps Family Influence Alive

Ben Kennedy, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer, will step into the COO role. At just 34, he represents the next generation of the France family and has been heavily involved in modernizing track experiences and racing technology. His elevation ensures the family voice remains prominent in day-to-day decision-making.

What This Means for NASCAR Fans and the Sport

This is not an abrupt ouster—multiple sources describe it as a planned, orderly transition. Jim France is not retiring from the sport; he simply steps back from the CEO title while maintaining his chairman duties and ownership. Still, the move ends an era that began when stock cars first roared onto Southern dirt tracks after World War II.

Fan reaction on social media has been swift and mixed. Some praise Jim France for stabilizing the sport during turbulent times, while others speculate whether O’Donnell’s leadership will accelerate innovation or maintain the status quo. With NASCAR navigating recent antitrust scrutiny, evolving media landscapes, and efforts to attract younger and more diverse audiences, the timing feels significant.

One thing is certain: the France family isn’t going anywhere. They still own the majority of the company and now have a trusted longtime insider at the wheel with a family member directly supporting operations as COO.

Stay tuned to AutoRacing1.com—we’ll have full coverage of the official announcement from Talladega this weekend, plus analysis on what O’Donnell’s leadership could mean for the 2026 season and beyond. The France era isn’t over… but the next chapter has officially begun.