Dale Earnhardt Jr’s late Hall of Fame father may have been known as “The Intimidator,” but he himself was fearless when discussing NASCAR\u2019s latest leadership shift in the CEO ranks.<\/p>\n
Former CEO Jim France stepped down after 7 years, while former NASCAR<\/a> President Steve O’Donnell took over the new role. From Earnhardt Jr’s perspective, the decision will keep the sport operating behind closed doors.<\/p>\n Dale Jr<\/a> was asked directly what he made of the development and said it felt more like a formal adjustment than a true turning point. His message came after expressing belief that NASCAR drivers keep breaking ‘unwritten codes’<\/a><\/p>\n “I approve 1000% with the leadership they have in place,” he declared on his podcast<\/a>. “I like every one of those individuals. I am not afraid to admit it. They\u2019re good people and they want what\u2019s good for the sport.”<\/p>\n He added: “I mean, excuse me. It changes nothing. Steve O\u2019Donnell (is a) great guy. I don\u2019t think that it really changes how business is going to get done, or not, you\u2019re not going to see this seismic sort of shift in operations.”<\/p>\n Dale Jr. pointed toward O’Donnell, already having a pretty high position in the sport, and called the change a ‘schematic’ pivot. He then pivoted to what he believes is the real story behind the scenes: Ben Kennedy becoming a figure to watch<\/a> as NASCAR continues to evolve.<\/p>\n He referred to Kennedy as NASCAR’s ‘guy’ that they are positioning to have his vision all over the sport within the next 25 years. Kennedy currently serves as the brand’s Chief Operating Officer.<\/p>\n “If he\u2019s given that opportunity, he will run this business with all the best intentions. He\u2019s a great guy,” he said. Earnhardt Jr also highlighted Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese\u2019s growing role within the organization as a rising leadership voice for the brand.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s amazing. I mean, I\u2019ve worked with her when we were doing the broadcast for the Charlotte Chicago street course race. We got to spend a ton of time with her. She don\u2019t mess around. She is the real deal,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Earnhardt Jr also made it clear that NASCAR\u2019s evolution is inevitable and that resistance to change is part of the sport\u2019s DNA. He emphasized that NASCAR must move forward with the times and that it’s time to ‘get on the train or get off’.<\/p>\n