Jim France is reportedly stepping down as the chief executive officer of NASCAR, a move that places Steve O’Donnell, currently the league president, in the top executive spot. This transition marks a significant moment, as O'Donnell is noted as the first individual outside the founding France family to hold the CEO title.
The executive shake-up also includes the promotion of Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, to chief operating officer. Kennedy moves from his role as executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer, taking on expanded responsibilities in both the competition and business sides of the organization. France himself will continue as NASCAR's chairman and retain his majority ownership stake in the privately held company.
Reports indicate Jim France’s performance during recent antitrust trial testimony, described as soft-spoken with some difficulty recalling topics on the first day, may have preceded this leadership adjustment. This follows earlier executive departures, including Steve Phelps, who resigned as NASCAR commissioner earlier this year amid revelations of inflammatory texts during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations that surfaced during the same trial.
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The broader context includes the recent settlement of a lawsuit between 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and NASCAR in December. Kennedy's ascent to COO is seen as a continuation of his trajectory within the organization since transitioning from a driver to an executive position, with his low-key demeanor reportedly earning him respect within the garage. This latest shift is part of a series of notable executive changes within NASCAR in recent months.
