Jim France Steps Down as CEO, Steve O’Donnell Becomes First Non-France Family Member to Lead NASCAR

Jim France Steps Down as NASCAR CEO, O'Donnell Takes OverIcon Sportswire - Getty Images

On Saturday, during NASCAR’s marquee Talladega weekend, NASCAR announced major changes to its leadership suite with Steve O’Donnell taking over as Chief Executive Officer as Jim France leaves the post after eight years at the helm of the family business. France will stay on as Chairman of the board.

These internal changes follow the shakeup and fallout of December's very public two-week federal antitrust case.

Jim France took over as CEO from his nephew, Brian France, following Brian's DWI charge in the summer of 2018.

Ben Kennedy, the great-grandson of Bill France Sr., moves to the Chief Operating Officer role, keeping a member of the France family near the top of the structural pyramid.

O’Donnell becomes the first non-France family member to serve as CEO in NASCAR’s 78-year history.

O’Donnell will oversee the “strategic and operational leadership for NASCAR, its affiliated racing series and businesses”, as per NASCAR’s press release.

Kennedy was serving as Chief Events & Venues Officer before his elevation to O’Donnell’s former post. In this role, Kennedy brought about some of the most exciting new events to the NASCAR schedule, including the NASCAR’s push into city centers with the Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the inaugural Chicago Street Race, Mexico City, and this year’s upcoming San Diego Street Race at Naval Base Coronado. Kennedy will continue to be in charge of creating the NASCAR annual schedule, a role he’s filled since 2021.

Kennedy (34), as COO, will oversee "several core business functions, including the addition of NASCAR’s competition department, alongside his current leadership of track and event operations, racing innovation, hospitality, and venue strategy."