Breaking News: NASCAR Reshapes Its Power Structure As Steve O’Donnell Takes Over CEO Role
For more than seven decades, the France family name has been entirely synonymous with NASCAR leadership. Today, the sport stands on the precipice of a monumental shift. In a breaking development that will reshape the stock car racing landscape, Steve O’Donnell is preparing to succeed Jim France as NASCAR’s CEO.
This weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, an official announcement will crown O’Donnell as the first executive outside the founding family to hold the ultimate title. Jim France, who stepped in to stabilize the ship in 2018, is stepping down at 81. He will retain his powerful position as chairman of the board.
O’Donnell Steps Up During a Transformative Era
The transition comes at a critical juncture for the sport. O’Donnell has served as president since March 2025. He filled the void left by Steve Phelps’ transition to a newly established commissioner role following the intense antitrust legal battles involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Now, O’Donnell steps into the ultimate hot seat. While a non-family member takes the CEO title, the France family remains deeply entrenched in the business operations. The ownership structure remains fiercely guarded, with Jim France holding a 54 percent stake and his niece Lesa France Kennedy controlling the remaining 46 percent.
However, the youth movement is in full effect behind the scenes. Ben Kennedy, the great-grandson of founder Bill France Sr. and a former driver himself, will officially take over as Chief Operating Officer.
What This Means
Putting O’Donnell at the absolute top of the corporate ladder is a massive signal to the garage area and the fanbase. It shows a willingness to adapt. O’Donnell understands the modern fan, the intricacies of the schedule, and the heavy demands of the race teams.
By placing an experienced executive in the CEO role, NASCAR is prioritizing stability and innovation over strict family tradition. Ben Kennedy taking the COO position ensures the France bloodline continues to shape the daily competition product, but O’Donnell will steer the corporate ship.
This shift also signals a broader recalibration inside NASCAR’s front office. By elevating two leaders with very different backgrounds, the company is trying to blend institutional knowledge with a steadier corporate hand. It’s a structure designed to keep the sport grounded in its roots while giving it room to evolve in ways a single leadership track couldn’t manage on its own.
What’s Next
As the engines fire up at Talladega this weekend, the paddock will be buzzing with anticipation. The France family built this sport on the sands of Daytona, but they are handing the keys to a trusted veteran. O’Donnell has spent years navigating the turbulent waters of modern motorsports. Now, it is his turn to lead NASCAR into its next great chapter.
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