NASCAR CEO Jim France Expected to Step Down
Leadership shift would put Steve O’Donnell in charge while France remains chairman, report says.
NASCAR CEO Jim France Expected to Step Down Sean Gardner - Getty Images NASCAR is expected to announce this weekend that 81-year-old Jim France will step down as the sanctioning body’s CEO but will remain as its chairman and majority owner. Steve O’Donnell, who was promoted to NASCAR president in March 2025, will succeed France as CEO, Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass reports. Prior to being named president, O’Donnell was NASCAR’s chief operating officer.
He played a key role in race operations and developing the current Cup Series car. Ben Kennedy, who has been NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer since June 2024, will be promoted to chief operating officer. Kennedy is France’s nephew and the son of Lesa France Kennedy, who is NASCAR’s executive vice chair.