NASCAR making major leadership change, breaking 78-year tradition

For the first time in NASCAR's 78-year history, the most popular form of auto racing in the United States will be led by someone other than a member of the France family. 

On Friday, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that Jim France, the Chairman and CEO of NASCAR as well as its majority owner, will step down from his role as CEO, with current NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell stepping into the role of CEO. 

Jim France, 81, is the son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who led NASCAR from 1948-72 and the uncle of Bill France Jr., who led the sport from 1972-2003. Jim France, nephew, Brian France led NASCAR from 2003-18 before a DUI charge led to him stepping down and Jim France taking over. 

Ben Kennedy, the great-grandson of Bill France Sr. and grandson of Bill France Jr., will be promoted to COO. A news conference will be held Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway to further discuss the changes in leadership.