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Steve O'Donnell Named NASCAR CEO; France Remains Chairman

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TALLADEGA, Ala. On Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR majority owner Jim France stepped down as chief executive officer and appointed Steve O'Donnell as his successor; France will remain chairman and retain his majority ownership stake. Ben Kennedy was promoted to chief operating officer, and O'Donnell becomes the first CEO from outside the France family. Charlotte, N.C., this week, the leadership change follows O'Donnell's more-than-three-decade tenure at NASCAR, including his promotion to president in March 2025. The transition comes after 2025 revenue-sharing negotiations that produced an antitrust suit and a December settlement granting teams permanent charters; immediate next steps include O'Donnell taking operational control and engaging with teams and sponsors.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1948: Bill France Sr. founds NASCAR.
2019: Brian France resigns; Jim France assumes CEO role.
March 2025: Steve O'Donnell named NASCAR president.
Mid-to-late 2025: Revenue-sharing negotiations trigger antitrust litigation; teams seek permanent charters.
December 2025 and following: Settlement grants permanent charters; at Talladega (Saturday) Jim France steps down as CEO and O'Donnell becomes CEO, Ben Kennedy promoted to COO.

Why This Matters to You

This NASCAR shakeup could impact your viewing experience. With O'Donnell at the helm, expect possible changes in race formats and scheduling. If you're a fan, keep an eye on NASCAR's official announcements.

The Bottom Line

Steve O'Donnell's promotion marks a historic shift in NASCAR's leadership. His long tenure and recent antitrust settlement could bring stability and innovation. Worth forwarding if you know a NASCAR enthusiast curious about the sport's future.