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SEBRING, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: NASCAR and IMSA Chairman Jim France looks on during the NASCAR, IMSA, and Hendrick Motorsports press conference for the Garage 56 entry at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans announcement at Sebring International Raceway on March 17, 2022 in Sebring, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

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 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 ownership control.

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.