NASCAR CEO Jim France is stepping down, with longtime NASCAR executive Steve O’Donnell set to take his place, sources confirmed to Yahoo Sports. This marks the first time the sport will be led by someone outside the France family.
Jim France, 81, has led NASCAR since 2018, when he became interim CEO following the arrest of his nephew Brian France. Before this, Jim served as president of ISC, a NASCAR-owned company managing racetracks across the U.S., and was a NASCAR board member.
France will reportedly stay on as chairman of the board.
Steve O’Donnell, 57, joined NASCAR in 1996 within the marketing department and has steadily climbed the ranks—from heading racing operations to chief operating officer, president, and now CEO. According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, this leadership change is effective immediately.
The France family’s involvement with NASCAR dates back to its founding by Bill France Sr. in the 1940s. Bill Jr. took over in 1972 and helped grow NASCAR from a regional to a national sport. Historically, the France family exercised firm control over NASCAR, though their dominance has waned recently.
This shift was most evident last year when 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Front Row Motorsports, sued NASCAR over its franchising system. The lawsuit ended with a settlement that was a clear victory for the teams, granting them permanent charters and restoring their previous rights—a move that challenged NASCAR’s traditionally centralized authority.
Brian France led NASCAR from 2003 until his 2018 arrest for suspected DUI. Following that, Jim France’s leadership kept the company within family hands.
Currently, two family members remain highly active in NASCAR’s operations. Lesa France Kennedy, Bill Jr.’s daughter, serves as executive vice chair of NASCAR and has been president of ISC. Her son, Ben Kennedy, a former Truck Series driver, is an executive vice president and is reportedly being promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
O’Donnell, who was recently named NASCAR president following Steve Phelps’ January departure, steps into the CEO role amid ongoing challenges, including the fallout from an antitrust trial that exposed internal tensions and controversial remarks about team owners.
Phelps was one of only three NASCAR presidents from outside the France family, alongside Mike Helton and Brent Dewar.
With NASCAR facing declining TV ratings and internal unrest, Jim France’s exit might usher in a new era with fresh leadership. The sport, once thriving with lucrative TV deals and corporate sponsorships in the 2000s, is now searching for ways to regain popularity and rebuild trust among teams.
Fan Take: This leadership change signals a significant turning point for NASCAR fans, as it could bring fresh perspectives and innovation to a sport craving revitalization. O’Donnell’s appointment might be just what NASCAR needs to reconnect with its audience and secure a stronger future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
