March 10, 2022 | By Lee Spencer

NASCAR enhances competition department with promotions of O'Donnell, Kennedy

NASCAR announced the promotions of Steve O’Donnell to Chief Operating Officer and Ben Kennedy to Senior Vice President, Racing Development & Strategy on Thursday.

O’Donnell and Kennedy will assume their new roles immediately.

“With more than 25 years of NASCAR experience across a variety of disciplines, Steve O’Donnell has earned the respect of the entire industry, and his collaborative leadership in the competition space has positioned the sport for incredible growth for years to come,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR president. “In a short time, Ben Kennedy has proven to be an innovative, thoughtful leader with bold ideas and a tireless work ethic. He returns to his competition roots with this new role, one in which he will no doubt excel.”

In addition to O’Donnell’s previous responsibilities within the competition department, his new role will include track operations and strategic development. Since 2014, OD has overseen the development of the Next Gen car, the revised Playoff systems for the top three tours as well as competition logistics introduced in 2017. O’Donnell joined the sanctioning body in 1996.

“NASCAR is in a prime position for growth, and I look forward to helping our talented team continue the work necessary to build our sport,” O’Donnell said. “I am deeply passionate about NASCAR, its fans and those who work in our industry. Together, we will continue the unprecedented collaboration to ensure our sport’s success.”

From a young age, Kennedy learned every aspect of the business. The 31-year-old great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France shadowed a variety of insiders within the sport before competing in stock cars as well as the Camping World Truck Series.

After hanging up his helmet following the 2017 season, Kennedy was tabbed as the GM of the truck series before being named Managing Director, Racing Operations and International Development.

In Kennedy’s latest role as Senior VP, Strategy & Innovation, he assisted in revamping the schedule and was instrumental in bringing the Busch Clash to the L.A. Coliseum in February.

As part of the competition team, Kennedy will continue to enhance the schedule, assume oversight of Racing Operations, track services and the NASCAR Touring and Weekly Series. Alongside O’Donnell, Kennedy will manage all areas of at-track competition and racing innovation.

“I am excited to return to the Competition team and continue to learn from some of the most innovative leaders across our sport,” Kennedy said. “The racing this season with the Next Gen car is some of the best we’ve ever seen. It is truly an exciting time in NASCAR, and I look forward to helping this talented team grow our sport.”