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It’s the end of an era in NASCAR.
The Athletic reported Friday that Jim France is stepping down as NASCAR’s CEO, and his replacement will be the first non-French family member to steer the ship.
The outlet noted that France, who remains NASCAR’s chairman, will be replaced by NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell.
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President Donald Trump is greeted by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France and Senator Rick Scott before the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 16, 2025. (Chris Graythen/AFP)
France’s father founded NASCAR in 1948 and it has grown into the most popular motorsport in the United States.
Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, will also be promoted from executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer to NASCAR’s chief operating officer.
All of the changes are expected to be announced on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Jack Link’s 500 will be run on Sunday.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France and team owner Rick Hendrick celebrate as the No. 24 NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet ZL1 completes the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France on June 10, 2023. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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France assumed both roles in August 2018, shortly after his nephew, Brian, stepped down.
France’s 54% stake in NASCAR will remain unchanged – Kennedy’s mother owns the other 46%.
This is hardly the first seismic change for NASCAR this year — Steve Phelps announced in January that he was stepping down as commissioner in the wake of two race teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan, filing an antitrust suit against the company.
The case revealed inflammatory text messages Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations. Jordan’s 23XI Racing and NASCAR settled their case in December.
He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courtship for the same role by the PGA Tour. The possibility of the PGA was revealed during December testimony in the trial.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France congratulates NBA Hall of Famer and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan in victory lane after Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 15, 2026. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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However, France is reportedly insisting that the lawsuits had nothing to do with his decision to step down, and that has been a thought for a long time.
