NASCAR chief Jim France steps down as Steve O’Donnell takes over
NASCAR majority owner Jim France is stepping down from his role as chief executive, with president Steve O’Donnell set to become the first non-family member to lead the racing series.
France, who has held the top position since 2019, will retain his majority ownership stake and remain as chairman of the organisation.
The historic leadership change is expected to be officially announced at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama on Saturday.
O’Donnell’s appointment marks a monumental shift for a motorsport property that was founded by Bill France Sr in 1948 and has always been guided by a family member.
Management restructuring continues
Alongside the change at the very top, France’s great-nephew Ben Kennedy will be promoted to the position of chief operating officer.
The outgoing executive originally took control of the boardroom following the sudden resignation of his nephew, Brian France, five years ago.
Legal battles and recent controversy
This major transition follows a tumultuous period for the American stock car racing series, highlighted by a bruising anti-trust lawsuit.
The racing magnate adopted a hardline stance during negotiations for the 2025 revenue-sharing agreement, which triggered legal action from Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
A settlement was eventually reached in December, granting competing teams the permanent charter agreements they had been demanding.
Testimony struggles and Phelps exit
During the recent anti-trust trial, the softly spoken chairman faced difficulties during his first day of testimony, repeatedly needing questions clarified and struggling to recall specific topics before recovering on the second day.
The courtroom drama also led to the high-profile departure of NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps earlier this year.
Phelps was forced to resign after inflammatory text messages sent during the contentious revenue-sharing negotiations were made public during the legal proceedings.
