NASCAR Appoints Steve O'Donnell as CEO, First Outside France Family
NASCAR has named Steve O'Donnell as its new chief executive officer, marking the first time someone outside the France family holds the position. O'Donnell, previously the president, aims to unite the industry and restore elements of its traditional appeal. Jim France will remain as chairman after stepping down from the CEO role.
onemileatatime.comNASCAR announced Steve O'Donnell's appointment as chief executive officer at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2026. O'Donnell stated he plans to implement changes to return the series to its roots and emphasize its identity as an American sport.
He has worked at NASCAR for over 30 years, most recently as president since March 2025. Majority owner Jim France stepped down as CEO but will continue as chairman, with his ownership stake unchanged. Bill France Sr. founded NASCAR in 1948, and the organization has had a family member in the top role until now.
Ben Kennedy was promoted to chief operating officer.
Jim France became chairman and CEO in 2019 following the resignation of his nephew, Brian France. O'Donnell's promotion follows his elevation to president in March 2025. Jim France stated that O'Donnell and Kennedy will advance the organization further.
NASCAR faced an antitrust lawsuit from 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports over the 2025 revenue-sharing agreement. The parties reached a settlement in December 2025, granting teams permanent charters. During the proceedings, Jim France testified and required some questions to be repeated.
NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps resigned earlier in 2026 after texts he sent during negotiations were disclosed in the trial. O'Donnell stated intentions to unite stakeholders, including fans, and address issues promptly.
“We lost that in recent years," O'Donnell said, referring to elements of NASCAR's appeal.”
O'Donnell emphasized showcasing NASCAR as a competitive American sport. He plans to listen to all involved parties and act with urgency on key matters. The changes aim to enhance engagement across the industry.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-25
Steve O'Donnell introduced as NASCAR CEO at Talladega Superspeedway, vows to return series to roots; Jim France steps down as CEO but remains chairman; Ben Kennedy promoted to COO.
1 sourceNPR - 2025-12
Settlement reached in antitrust lawsuit by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, granting permanent charters to teams.
1 sourceNPR - 2025-03
Steve O'Donnell named president of NASCAR.
1 sourceNPR - 2025
Antitrust lawsuit triggered by negotiations for 2025 revenue-sharing agreement; France takes hardline stance.
1 sourceNPR - 2019
Jim France becomes chairman and CEO after nephew Brian's resignation.
1 sourceNPR - 1948
Bill France Sr. founds the racing series.
1 sourceNPR
Potential Impact
- 01
Continued family influence through Jim France's chairman role and Ben Kennedy's promotion.
- 02
Increased focus on fan engagement and series roots under O'Donnell's leadership.
- 03
Enhanced urgency in addressing stakeholder concerns to prevent future disputes.
- 04
Potential stabilization of NASCAR's internal relations following lawsuit settlement and leadership change.
- 05
Possible shifts in revenue-sharing dynamics with permanent charters granted to teams.
Transparency Panel
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