Power Shift at NASCAR: O’Donnell Breaks France Dynasty Grip Amid Legal Storm
NASCAR is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Steve O'Donnell is set to become CEO following Jim France stepping down at 81
Since Bill France Sr. banged the sport together in a Daytona Beach hotel room in 1948, no other person without the surname France at the end of their name has operated NASCAR.
Steve O'Donnell, the current league president, has been declared to take over as the next CEO after Jim France steps down at the age of 81. He had been chairman of the family-owned enterprises since 2019 after Brian France stepped down. Ben Kennedy, Jim France's great-nephew, shall become the next CEO.
NASCAR majority owner Jim France is stepping down as chief executive and will be replaced by president Steve O'Donnell, according to multiple reports. France will remain as NASCAR's chairman and his majority ownership stake will not change. https://t.co/XpkPpWFoHz
— WCNC Charlotte (@wcnc) April 24, 2026
The renewals shall be made public on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Jack Link's 500 will be run on Sunday.
The constants among the change
Majority ownership of the 54% of NASCAR will remain within the France family, while 46% ownership belongs to Kennedy's mother. On paper, O’Donnell now runs everything: the Cup, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Truck series, the IMSA sports car operation, the company-owned tracks, long-term strategy, and the financials.
Tough times have been clouding the France family
Beginning with the antitrust action filed by 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan with Denny Hamlin and Front Row Motorsports, which identified Jim France directly and forced NASCAR's internal decision-making into public federal court, the next 18 months were one of the most difficult time periods faced by the France family domination.
"When I talk about racers, I think that it's in your blood and... it's something that you really have a passion for," testified Jim France, NASCAR Chairman, highlighting his passion for the sport.
Written by