CHARLOTTE — According to various published reports including the Associated Press, Jim France is preparing to step down as chief executive of NASCAR.
France, the son of NASCAR founder William France, is the majority owner of the sanctioning body and would be replaced by NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell. France would continue as NASCAR Chairperson and majority owner.
France’s father founded NASCAR in 1948 and O’Donnell would become the first person outside the France family to hold the CEO position.
Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, is expected to be named chief operation officer.
The move comes in the wake of the 81-year-old France’s role in the offseason anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR, which was levied by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The suit was settled in December with teams being granted permanent charters after plenty of dirt laundry from both sides became public during the court proceedings.
An official announcement is expected on Saturday afternoon.
