Steve O’Donnell Promises to Return NASCAR to Its Roots After CEO Introduction at Talladega

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Steve O’Donnell was introduced as NASCAR’s chief executive officer at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday and vowed to “make some moves” that will return the storied racing series to its roots.

O’Donnell, who called NASCAR a “badass American sport,” said the organization had lost its fun in recent years and pledged to unite the sport while restoring its core appeal. His appointment marks the first time someone outside the France family has held the CEO position in NASCAR’s history.

Majority owner Jim Ford stepped down as CEO but will remain NASCAR’s chairman, with his ownership stake unchanged. O’Donnell’s promotion comes after serving as president since March 2025 and follows more than three decades of work in NASCAR’s marketing and competition departments.

Jim France had served as chairman and CEO since the 2019 resignation of his nephew Brian France. He praised the leadership transition, stating that O’Donnell and newly promoted chief operating officer Ben Kennedy “are going to take this thing even further.”

Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew and son of NASCAR executive Lesa Kennedy France, was elevated to chief operating officer as part of the leadership shuffle. The changes come amid ongoing efforts to resolve tensions with teams over governance and revenue sharing.

In December, NASCAR settled an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports over the 2025 revenue-sharing agreement. The settlement granted teams permanent charters, a key demand in the dispute that had arisen after France took a hardline stance in negotiations.

O’Donnell emphasized his deep familiarity with NASCAR’s operations, noting his decades-long tenure guiding the sanctioning body through various competitive and marketing eras. He positioned himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging internal divides while honoring the sport’s heritage.

Bill France Sr. Founded NASCAR in 1948, and until O’Donnell’s appointment, a member of the France family had always held the organization’s top leadership role. The leadership change represents a significant shift in the governance of one of America’s most prominent motorsport organizations.