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It’s the end of an era in NASCAR.
The Athletic reported Friday that Jim France was resigning as CEO of NASCAR and his replacement would be the first non-French family member to run the ship.
The outlet noted that France, 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 became the most popular motorsport in the United States.
Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, will also be promoted from executive vice president and director of venue and racing innovations to chief operating officer of NASCAR.
Any changes are expected to be announced Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Jack Link’s 500 will be held on Sunday.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France and team owner Rick Hendrick celebrate as the No. 24 NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet ZL1 finishes the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, June 10, 2023. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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France assumed both roles in August 2018, shortly after the resignation of his nephew, Brian.
France’s 54% stake in NASCAR will remain unchanged – Kennedy’s mother owns the remaining 46%.
This isn’t the first seismic shift for NASCAR this year — Steve Phelps announced in January that he was stepping down as commissioner following two racing teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan, filing an antitrust lawsuit against the company.
The suit uncovered inflammatory text messages sent by Phelps during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations. Jordan 23XI Racing and NASCAR settled their lawsuit in December.
He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a court proceeding for the same role by the PGA Tour. The opportunity with the PGA was revealed during trial testimony in December.
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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France, however, reportedly insisted that the legal proceedings had nothing to do with his decision to resign, and this had been a long-standing consideration.
