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NASCAR Names First CEO From Outside Founding Family
Steve O'Donnell will become the first non-France family CEO as NASCAR keeps Jim France as chairman after a contentious revenue-sharing dispute.
- On Friday, April 24, 2026, NASCAR majority owner Jim France announced he is stepping down as CEO, with president Steve O'Donnell succeeding him in the role.
- This transition ends a 78-year history of France family members leading the organization's day-to-day operations, dating back to founder Bill France Sr.
- NASCAR will promote Ben Kennedy to chief operating officer, while the company's ownership structure remains unchanged at 54% for Jim France and 46% for Lesa France Kennedy.
- Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama will host the formal announcement this weekend, coinciding with races for the Cup Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.
- O'Donnell assumes leadership following instability that includes NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps's resignation earlier this year and an anti-trust lawsuit from Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing.
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69 Articles
69 Articles
Rutland Herald+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
New CEO Steve O'Donnell vows to unite NASCAR and return the fun
Steve O’Donnell wants to bring some fun back to NASCAR. O’Donnell was introduced as the sanctioning body’s chief executive officer at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday and vowed to “make some moves” that will return the storied racing series to its…
Glance: NASCAR's France exiting CEO role
TALLADEGA, Ala. — NASCAR CEO and chairman Jim France, the son of the man who founded the league nearly 80 years ago, is relinquishing his role as CEO and being replaced by current NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell, according to multiple…
·Charleston, United States
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Associated Press News+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
Reports: Jim France to step down as NASCAR's chief executive officer, Steve O'Donnell promoted
NASCAR majority owner Jim France is stepping down as chief executive and will be replaced by president Steve O’Donnell, according to multiple reports.
·United States
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Total News Sources69
Leaning Left10Leaning Right5Center39Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
L 19%
C 72%
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