NASCAR CEO Jim France Steps Down, O'Donnell Succeeds

Jim France, the longtime chairman and CEO of NASCAR, is stepping down from his role as chief executive, marking the end of decades of family leadership at the helm of America's premier stock car racing series. The 81-year-old France will remain as chairman and majority owner, with NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell, 57, assuming the CEO position as the first non-family member to lead the organization. The changes, which also include the promotion of Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, are set to be formally announced this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, ahead of Sunday's Cup Series race.

France assumed both the CEO and chairman roles in August 2018, following the resignation of his nephew, Brian France. His family has deep roots in the sport: France's father, Bill France Sr., founded NASCAR in 1948, transforming it into the nation's most popular motorsport. Under the family's stewardship, NASCAR grew to include ownership of about half the tracks on the Cup Series circuit, as well as IMSA, the leading U.S. road-racing series. Jim France holds a 54 percent ownership stake, with the remaining 46 percent owned by his niece, Lesa France Kennedy, through family trusts.