For the first time in the 78-year history of NASCAR, someone other than a member of the France family will lead the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Jim France, son of founder Bill France Sr., is stepping down as CEO, according to an April 24 report by The Athletic. Current NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell will succeed him.
The organization will also promote Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer. The 34-year-old Kennedy, Jim France’s great-nephew, is currently the executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer.
The Athletic reports the moves will be formally announced this weekend, when the Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series go racing at Talladega Superspeedway.
France, 81, will continue as chairman. The company’s ownership structure — France owns 54%, while his niece and Kennedy’s mom, Lesa France Kennedy, has the other 46 percent — remains unchanged.
O’Donnell has been with NASCAR since 1996. The 57-year-old worked his way up to COO in March 2022. Last year, he rose to president.
He’ll be the fifth CEO in NASCAR history.
Bill France Sr. held the role from 1948 to 1972. His son, Bill Jr., then grabbed the reins and maintained them until 2003, when his son, Brian, followed him. Brian was in charge until Jim took over in 2018.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR CEO Jim France steps down, new CEO will be first outside family
Reporting by Chris Vinel, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
