Jim France to step down as NASCAR CEO in historic change for racing series

6. (tie) Jimmie Johnson, 83 career wins

8. Dale Earnhardt, 76 career wins.

9. Kyle Busch, 63 career wins (through June 4, 2023).

10. Denny Hamlin, 61 career wins (through March 15, 2026).

11. Kevin Harvick, 60 career wins.

12. Rusty Wallace, 55 career wins.

1 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

2. David Pearson, 105 career wins.

1 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

2. David Pearson, 105 career wins.

2 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

3. Jeff Gordon, 93 career wins.

3 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

6. (tie) Jimmie Johnson, 83 career wins

4 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

8. Dale Earnhardt, 76 career wins.

5 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

9. Kyle Busch, 63 career wins (through June 4, 2023).

6 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

10. Denny Hamlin, 61 career wins (through March 15, 2026).

7 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

11. Kevin Harvick, 60 career wins.

8 / 8

Drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins all time

12. Rusty Wallace, 55 career wins.

O’Donnell, 57, almost has become an honorary member of the France family as he nears his 30th anniversary with NASCAR. He will oversee day-to-day operations and, according to The Athletic, assume a broad array of responsibilities, including: overseeing all aspects within NASCAR, including the various racing series and tracks it owns and operates and long-term strategic planning and the setting and execution of financial and performance benchmarks.

The moves comes about four months after NASCAR settled the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23IX Racing – the team co-owned by Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin – and Front Row Motorsports. Although the financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, it was viewed a major setback for NASCAR.

According to The Athletic, Jim France will maintain his 54 percent ownership stake in NASCAR, with the remaining 46 percent owned by other family members.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim France will step down as NASCAR CEO, replaced by Steve O'Donell