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It’s the end of an era in NASCAR.
The Athletic reported Friday that Jim France will step down as NASCAR CEO and his replacement will be the first non-French family member to run the ship.
The outlet noted that Francia, who will remain NASCAR president, 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 become the most popular motor sport in the United States.
Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, will also be promoted from executive vice president and chief racing and venue innovations to NASCAR’s chief operating officer.
All changes are expected to be announced Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Jack Link’s 500 will be run on Sunday.
NASCAR President and CEO Jim France and team owner Rick Hendrick celebrate as the No. 24 NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet ZL1 finishes the centennial 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, resigned.
French share of 54% in NASCAR will remain unchanged; Kennedy’s mother owns the other 46%.
This isn’t the first radical change for NASCAR this year: Steve Phelps announced in January that he would step down as commissioner in the wake of two racing teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan, filing an antitrust lawsuit against the company.
The lawsuit uncovered inflammatory text messages Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations. Jordan’s 23XI Racing and NASCAR they solved their suit in December.
He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courting process for the same position by the PGA Tour. The opportunity with the PGA was revealed during December testimony at trial.
NASCAR President and CEO Jim France congratulates NBA Hall of Famer and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan in victory lane after Tyler Reddick wins 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 said to insist that the lawsuits had nothing to do with his decision to resign, and this has long been thought.
