For nearly eight decades, the France family has been the engine driving NASCAR. But in a seismic shift that changes the sport's DNA, the family is handing over the steering wheel for the first time in history.
Jim France, the 81-year-old who took over as NASCAR CEO in 2018, is stepping down from the role. Instead of passing the torch to another family member, he's tapping current NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell to take the reins, according to a report from The Athletic via the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
The move, expected to be officially announced this weekend during the NASCAR Cup Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Talladega Superspeedway, marks a monumental departure from tradition. Since Bill France Sr. founded the organization in 1948, a France has always held the CEO position.
A New Era of Leadership
O'Donnell, a 30-year NASCAR veteran who was named chief operating officer in 2022, becomes just the fifth CEO in the sport's history. His promotion signals a shift toward professional management over family succession.
Meanwhile, Ben Kennedy—Jim France's great-nephew and currently the executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer—will be promoted to chief operating officer. Kennedy has been a rising star within the organization, overseeing track development and the Next Gen car rollout.
This leadership shakeup comes as NASCAR navigates a rapidly changing sports landscape. The sport has faced criticism from fans about everything from playoff formats to race schedules, and the France family has often been the target of those complaints. While the day-to-day operations are moving outside the family, the Frances aren't going anywhere.
Ownership Remains in the Family
Jim France will continue as chairman of NASCAR, and the family retains full ownership. Jim personally holds 54% of the company, while his niece Lesa France Kennedy owns the remaining 46%.
For fans who've long called for change, this could be a pivotal moment. O'Donnell has been a key architect of NASCAR's modern direction, including its push into new markets and the controversial playoff system. His promotion suggests the sport is doubling down on its current trajectory rather than charting a radically new course.
The France family's grip on NASCAR has been absolute since Bill France Sr. organized the first official race on the sands of Daytona Beach. Bill Jr. took over in 1972 and ran the show until 2003, when his son Brian France assumed control. Brian's tenure ended abruptly in 2018 following a DUI arrest, leading Jim France to step in.
Now, with O'Donnell at the helm, NASCAR enters uncharted territory. Whether this signals a broader cultural shift or simply a strategic succession plan remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: for the first time in 78 years, the man calling the shots won't have 'France' on his birth certificate.
As the sport continues to evolve, fans will be watching closely to see how this new leadership dynamic plays out on the track and in the boardroom. For more on NASCAR's evolving landscape, check out Dale Jr.'s take on crossover vehicles and the debate over late-race restarts.
