In a significant leadership transition, NASCAR announced the appointment of Steve O'Donnell as its Chief Executive Officer, a groundbreaking move that sees the organization led by an individual from outside the founding France family for the first time in its 78-year history. Simultaneously, Ben Kennedy has been elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer. This pivotal announcement was made in Talladega, Alabama, signifying a new chapter for the premier stock car racing body.
O'Donnell, 57, brings more than three decades of dedicated service to NASCAR, having navigated through various departments, from marketing to competition, before his promotion to president in March 2025. His extensive experience positions him uniquely to steer the organization forward. Upon assuming his new responsibilities, O'Donnell expressed his immediate focus on engaging with key stakeholders, including team owners, drivers, tracks, sponsors, and internal personnel, to gather diverse perspectives and identify future opportunities for the sport. He emphasized leveraging NASCAR's robust existing infrastructure, including its broadcast deals and charter system, to ensure its continued prominence as a must-watch sport.
Jim France, who previously served as CEO, will now assume the role of NASCAR Chairman, ensuring the family's continued involvement in the sport's governance. France's tenure as CEO, which began as an interim role in 2018 following the legal issues of his nephew, Brian France, saw him officially appointed in 2019. He is widely credited for successfully guiding NASCAR through the challenges of the pandemic, resolving disputes over team charters, and securing a highly lucrative media rights agreement. O'Donnell acknowledged France's profound impact and ongoing commitment to the sport, affirming that his presence will remain integral. Kennedy, 34, the new COO, has a rich background in racing, having been a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, which he later managed, and most recently served as NASCAR's executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer. O'Donnell highlighted Kennedy's deep understanding of the sport and his proactive approach to leadership, cultivated through diverse experiences within the racing community.
This leadership transition symbolizes NASCAR's commitment to evolving while honoring its rich legacy. The appointments of O'Donnell and Kennedy usher in a fresh perspective, combining deep institutional knowledge with dynamic new leadership. Their collaborative vision is poised to propel NASCAR into a future where innovation, engagement, and strategic growth ensure its enduring appeal and status as a beacon of competitive excellence and sporting integrity.