CHANGING OF THE GUARD
NASCAR reveals new CEO after Jim France steps down
Carson hocevar celebrates winning the Jack links 500 NasCar Cup series race in victory lane at Talladega superspeedway.
NASCAR Cup series driver Carson Hocevar takes a victory lap after winning the Jack links 500 NASCAR Cup series race Sunday at Talladega superspeedway in Alabama.
STARTING GRID YOUR GUIDE TO THE WEEK ON THE NASCAR CIRCUIT
NASCAR has a new CEO in 2026. Steve O'Donnell, who served as NASCAR's president, has been promoted to CEO following Jim France's decision to step down, the sport announced.
O'Donnell is the first person outside the France family to hold the title of CEO in NASCAR. Ben Kennedy, France's great-nephew, has also been promoted to chief operating officer.
Over the weekend prior to the announcement, France stated that he would step down as CEO, effective immediately. Despite stepping down, France will maintain his position as chairman and majority owner of NASCAR's racing businesses.
O'Donnell has been with NASCAR for more than 30 years and brings a fresh perspective to the leadership team. NASCAR has dealt with several leadership changes following the sports antitrust lawsuit against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. France stepped down as CEO, while Steve Phelps resigned as commissioner before the 2026 season. It is unclear whether France's decision to step down is related to the lawsuit's findings, but NASCAR will move forward with a new CEO in 2026.
There is a lot of excitement around O'Donnell's promotion, as he is well respected around NASCAR. The future of NASCAR gained a big boost over the weekend, as the new CEO hopes to bring the sport back to its roots. O'Donnell wants to "make some moves" to accomplish this goal.
France has been the chairman and CEO of NASCAR since 2018, following his nephew Brian France's resignation from the role after his arrest. The 81-year-old is the brother of Bill France Jr., who led the sport from 1979 to 2000. France's father founded the sport in 1948.
NASCAR reveals bold stance on Hocevar's celebration
Carson Hocevar shocked the NASCAR world on Sunday evening. After winning the Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, Hocevar got out of his driver's seat and sat on the side of the No. 77 car. The Spire Motorsports competitor drove the other way on the fronstretch while sitting on the side of his car. It was an iconic celebration. However, what does NASCAR think about Hocevar's actions?
During the winner's press conference, newly appointed CEO O'Donnell said he is "good" with Hocevar's celebration at Talladega. Many wondered if NASCAR would be happy with the situation, as Hocevar put his safety at risk in a moving car and hit the wall outside of the vehicle.
Based on O'Donnell's comments, it doesn't appear that NASCAR will be creating a new rule after Hocevar's celebration. It was one of the most memorable post-race moments in recent NASCAR memory. In fact, O'Donnell's support means Hocevar might have found his signature celebration.
Reddick signs long-term contract extension with 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick is staying with 23XI Racing. On Sunday, Reddick revealed on the FOX Sports broadcast that he has signed a multi-year contract extension to stay in the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing. The driver of the No. 45 car currently leads the NASCAR Cup Series point standings with five wins in the first 10 races of 2026.
Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500 after passing Chase Elliott on the final lap. Then, he won the next two races, becoming the first driver to win the first three races of a Cup Series season. Reddick later won at Darlington Raceway and Kansas Speedway, putting his win total at five overall.
There was little doubt that Reddick would leave 23XI Racing after a sensational start to the 2026 NASCAR season.
The 23XI Racing driver has the best chance to win the 2026 Cup Series championship if he wins the regular season. Now, Reddick is locked in with 23XI Racing, and the focus can be shifted toward winning a title in November.
NASCAR to further inspect two cars
NASCAR is performing a deeper inspection process after the Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend. Kyle Busch's No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing and Zane Smith's No. 38 car for Front Row Motorsports have been taken to the NASCAR R&D Center for further inspection after Talladega, the sport announced. Busch finished in 10th place at Talladega for his first top-10 finish during the 2026 NASCAR season.
The Richard Childress Racing driver has struggled to start the 2026 Cup Series season and found his first top-10 finish of the year at Talladega. Meanwhile, the Front Row Motorsports driver has been solid to start the 2026 Cup Series season and found his first top-5 finish of the year at Talladega. Taking a car to the R&D Center doesn't automatically mean something is wrong; however, it does heighten the risk of a potential penalty.
In the NextGen car era, drivers and teams have received significant penalties when NASCAR takes a car to the R&D Center. There have been several occasions when they have lost over 100 points due to an infraction. Most cars are cleared after going to the R&D Center, but exceptions exist.
Day discusses first career NASCAR win at Talladega
Corey Day has been close to winning in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series, and it finally came to fruition on Saturday. Day and the No. 17 team for Hendrick Motorsports won the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday afternoon. The Hendrick Motorsports driver survived the chaos and was in front when the caution flew on the final lap.
Following the event, Day discusses his first career NASCAR victory. Out of all places, the driver of the No. 17 car didn't expect his first win to come at Talladega.
"I sure as heck didn't think it [first win] would be at a superspeedway," Day said. "My No. 17 guys just built a rocket ship. I feel like we've been close, had a good day at [Rockingham Speedway], and had a couple other good days and just didn't finish it off, so this is super cool."
Day now sits fourth in the O'Reilly Series point standings, and he continues to be one of the fastest drivers in the sport. The No. 17 team had a tough start to the 2026 season, but the last one and a half months have been very good. Now, Day hopes this is the first of many wins in 2026.
