Steve O'Donnell Takes Helm as NASCAR’s First Non-France CEO

On 25 April 2026, NASCAR announced Steve O'Donnell as chief executive officer during a ceremony at Talladega Superspeedway. O'Donnell, a veteran of the sport’s marketing and competition divisions, pledged to “unite the industry” and restore the “fun” that he says the series has “lost in recent years.” His appointment makes him the first CEO outside the France family; Jim France will remain chairman and retain his majority ownership stake.

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The leadership shift follows a turbulent 2025 revenue-sharing negotiation that triggered an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The dispute was settled in December 2025, granting teams permanent charters they had sought. Earlier in 2026, NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps resigned after inflammatory texts revealed during the trial. Jim France’s testimony during the lawsuit was marked by repeated questions and memory lapses, underscoring internal strain.

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• Steve O'Donnell – New CEO; 30-plus years in NASCAR’s marketing and competition departments; named president in March 2025.

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• Jim France – Chairman and majority-owner; stepped down as CEO but will continue to guide strategic direction.

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• Ben Kennedy – France great-nephew; promoted to chief operating officer.

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• 23XI Racing – Team owned by Michael Jordan; co-plaintiff in the antitrust case.

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• Front Row Motorsports – Co-plaintiff in the antitrust case.

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• Steve Phelps – Former NASCAR commissioner; resigned in early 2026.

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• 1948 – Bill France Sr. founds NASCAR.

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• 2019 – Jim France assumes CEO role after Brian France’s resignation.

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• 2025 (early) – Revenue-sharing negotiations intensify.

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• 2025 (mid) – 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file antitrust lawsuit.

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• Dec 2025 – Settlement grants permanent charters to teams.

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• Early 2026 – Commissioner Steve Phelps resigns.

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• 25 Apr 2026 – Steve O'Donnell introduced as CEO at Talladega.

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• O'Donnell brings 30+ years of experience within NASCAR’s marketing and competition units.

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• The December 2025 settlement secured permanent charters for all contested teams.

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O'Donnell emphasized daily responsibility to “showcase” NASCAR as a “badass American sport” and to listen to every stakeholder, including fans. Jim France expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating the organization will “take this thing even further.” The settlement announcement highlighted NASCAR’s commitment to stable team participation through permanent charters.

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The antitrust lawsuit reflected team concerns that the 2025 revenue-sharing proposal disadvantaged certain owners. The resignation of Commissioner Phelps after the release of inflammatory texts added to perceptions of internal discord and raised questions about governance transparency.

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The leadership change aims to reconcile fan expectations with team interests, potentially revitalizing attendance and viewership. Securing permanent charters may stabilize team finances, while O'Donnell’s marketing background could reshape promotional strategies to re-engage a broader audience.

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• “We lost that in recent years,” — Steve O'Donnell, CEO

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• “It's what we have to do each and every day,” — Steve O'Donnell, CEO

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• “We've got to showcase that.” — Steve O'Donnell, CEO

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• “They're going to take this thing even further,” — Jim France, Chairman

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• “badass American sport.” — Steve O'Donnell, CEO

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O'Donnell has indicated that the organization will roll out “moves” aimed at fan-centric experiences ahead of the 2026 season, while the new executive team evaluates long-term governance reforms and further stakeholder engagement initiatives.

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