In a major NASCAR leadership change, Jim France has stepped down as CEO of NASCAR while remaining chairman and majority owner. The 81-year-old first took over the role in 2018 on an interim basis following Brian France’s exit.
This development was first exclusively reported by Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal. It marks one of the biggest leadership changes in the sport’s history. An official announcement is expected during the race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, according to reporting by Nick DeGroot of Motorsport.com. The change follows a period of internal restructuring and recent executive exits.
NASCAR Leadership Change: Steve O’Donnell Named CEO as Jim France Steps Down
As part of this NASCAR leadership change, Steve O’Donnell has been named CEO. He becomes the fifth person to hold the role and the first non-family executive to lead NASCAR since its founding by Bill France Sr. in 1948.
O’Donnell joined NASCAR in 1996 and worked his way through the organization. He previously served as president and handled major areas including competition, marketing, and race operations. His promotion confirms a shift toward more structured executive leadership, while the France family retains control of ownership.
The NASCAR leadership change follows months of internal adjustments. Earlier in 2026, former commissioner Steve Phelps stepped down before the season. His responsibilities were shared across senior leadership, including O’Donnell.
This period also followed the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which was settled in late 2025. The outcome led to further review of leadership roles within the organization.
Ben Kennedy Takes COO Role
Another key part of the leadership change is the appointment of Ben Kennedy as chief operating officer. This is a newly created role within NASCAR’s structure.
Kennedy, the son of Lesa France Kennedy, represents the next generation of the France family. He previously served as executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer.
He also has racing experience, with wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards East Series. His new role places him in charge of daily operations, including racing innovation and event development.
The NASCAR leadership change keeps the France family involved in key decisions while allowing a non-family executive to lead overall operations.
During Jim France’s tenure as CEO, NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car in 2022, expanded its schedule, and pursued international growth. The new structure now places those efforts under a revised leadership team.
The timing of the NASCAR leadership change aligns with the Cup Series event at Talladega. NASCAR has not announced further structural changes beyond these appointments.
NASCAR Leadership Overhaul: From Oldest to Youngest in Major Sports
NASCAR is undergoing a major leadership shift that places it among the youngest executive groups in professional sports. Majority owner Jim France, 81, has stepped down as CEO after eight years but remains chairman of the board.
He is replaced by Steve O’Donnell, 57, who becomes the first non-France family member to lead daily operations in the company’s history. O’Donnell, promoted to president in 2025, has worked across marketing, broadcasting, and race operations during his time with NASCAR.
At the same time, Ben Kennedy, 34, moves into the role of chief operating officer. He is the son of Lesa France Kennedy, a former racer. His promotion adds a younger voice to the leadership group.
#NASCAR quickly goes from having one of the oldest sets of Major League Sports executives to one of the youngest, with promotions for Kennedy and O’Donnell.
NASCAR COO – Ben Kennedy (34)
PGA Commissioner – Jay Monahan (55)
NASCAR CEO – Steve O’Donnell (57)
F1 President & CEO -…— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) April 24, 2026
NASCAR Leadership Change: Jim France Steps Down as CEO in Major Shift