NASCAR insider calls for CEO Jim France to step down

Following the settlement in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, there have been questions around the sport’s leadership, including Jim France. In a recent column, Jeff Gluck of The Athletic makes the case that it’s time for France to step down as CEO.

In the days and weeks following the now-infamous “stupid redneck” texts from Commissioner Steve Phelps, fans called for Phelps to step down. Others have gone as far as saying President Steve O’Donnell should leave his position as well.

Today, Gluck took that argument a little further. He wants the 81-year-old CEO to step down. Who would replace France at the top of the sport? None other than Ben Kennedy.

“[Jim] France badly miscalculated, and the sport is worse off for it,” Gluck wrote for The Athletic. “While the settlement marks a great step forward for the teams’ financial situation, the same terms could have been given two years ago. … if this wasn’t a family-owned business, any CEO of a company who made such a major misstep would be gone.”

It is clear that relationships have been hurt. Richard Childress is never going to look at a ruling from NASCAR the same way again. Fines and penalties are going to be scrutinized any time they are issued to RCR or one of its drivers.

Jeff Gluck hits the heart of the problem. There is a major issue with leadership and how they are viewed by the garage and fans. Whether that is Jim France or Steve Phelps, it is clear that change is needed at or near the top.

Jim France releases statement after NASCAR settlement

Based on what we know about the France family, I’m unsure if Jim France is going to step down as CEO. It really isn’t certain that anyone will lose their job or move on following the significant image issues that NASCAR earned in the lawsuit.

The statement from France after the settlement on Thursday implies that he’s sticking around. At least, to me it does. He’s ready to get the season going and be back to business as usual.

“The outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948,” France said. “We worked closely with race teams to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series.

“Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and racetracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.”

Will he step down? I doubt it. Jim France has shown he is a prideful man. This is his family’s business. So, what incentive does he have to step down? At 81, he may feel like he can still do this for a few more years. Ben Kennedy is almost 34 years old. Is it time for one generation to turn it over to the next? Perhaps.