O’Donnell takes over as NASCAR CEO

Steve O’Donnell will begin his tenure as NASCAR CEO effective immediately, with the official announcement of the change in guard made on Saturday morning.

O’Donnell replaces Jim France. France, 81, is the son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and will remain in the family business as chairman of the board. Lesa France Kennedy, his niece, remains executive vice chair.

Ben Kennedy, the son of Lesa France Kennedy, and great-grandson of Bill France Sr., has been named COO.

“I am incredibly proud of the strength and stability we’ve achieved across the sport, which gives me tremendous confidence in our plan to transition leadership to Steve as NASCAR’s next CEP and Ben as COO,” said Jim France. “Together, they represent the future of the sport, and along with our world-class executive team and race team partners in the garage, they will guide NASCAR into its exciting next era.”

O’Donnell will assume the strategic and operational leadership of NASCAR as well as its affiliated series and businesses. Among his focuses will be advancing “NASCAR’s vision” as one of the premier sports and entertainment brands. He will also lead development and execution of multiyear strategic plans, financial and performance benchmarks, succession planning, and the next media rights deal.

He is the first non-France family member to lead the sport.

“It is an honor to step into the role of CEO working alongside Ben and our leadership team at such an important time for our sport,” O’Donnell said. “I have devoted nearly my entire career to NASCAR, this garage and our fans, guided by the France family’s commitment to deliver the best racing in the world. I am grateful and energized to continue to collaborate with our colleagues across our sport, while listening to our race fans to realize that vision each and every week.”

Kennedy will continue to serve in his role as the leader of track and event operations, racing innovation, hospitality, and venue strategy, but will add overseeing additional business functions, such as the competition department.