NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell Outlines Vision for International Growth, Addresses Key Moments
Steve O'Donnell, who took over as NASCAR CEO earlier this year, discussed his plans to expand the sport globally and reflected on significant events during his tenure.
Steve O'Donnell, who assumed the role of NASCAR CEO in April, has outlined an ambitious vision for the racing organization, including significant international expansion and a strategic roadmap dubbed 'Project 2032.' O'Donnell, the first CEO not from the founding France family, is looking to emulate the global reach of Formula 1.
His tenure has been marked by challenging events, including a lawsuit involving Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team and the tragic death of driver Kyle Busch. O'Donnell spoke about the unexpected texts he received from Michael Jordan during this period and the profound impact of Busch's death on the NASCAR community. "O'Donnell addressed the NASCAR world in a crushing scene just a month after he became CEO," the report noted, referencing his presence alongside Samantha and Brexton Busch following the driver's death. IMAGE2
Under O'Donnell's leadership, NASCAR is setting its sights on international markets. The sport has already seen a move towards global presence, with the Mexico City Grand Prix scheduled for 2025. IMAGE5 ![The sport headed to Mexico City for the first time in 2025 and has more plans to grow overseas]( "The sport headed to Mexico City for the first time in 2025 and has more plans to grow overseas") O'Donnell expressed a desire to potentially race in locations like London. IMAGE4 ![O'Donnell has international ambitions for NASCAR and would love to race in London one day]( "O'Donnell has international ambitions for NASCAR and would love to race in London one day")
'Project 2032' signifies a long-term strategy aimed at growing the sport. IMAGE3 ![O'Donnell and NASCAR have dubbed their road map Project 2032]( "O'Donnell and NASCAR have dubbed their road map Project 2032") This initiative focuses on enhancing fan engagement and increasing attendance, which has seen an upward trend in 2026. IMAGE11 ![Attendance has been up at tracks in 2026 as the sport looks to win back support from fans]( "Attendance has been up at tracks in 2026 as the sport looks to win back support from fans")
O'Donnell began his career at NASCAR in 1996 and has steadily climbed the ranks over three decades. IMAGE9 ![O'Donnell started working in NASCAR in 1996 and has worked his way up over three decades]( "O'Donnell started working in NASCAR in 1996 and has worked his way up over three decades") His leadership marks a new era for the organization, aiming to modernize and expand its reach in a competitive global motorsport landscape. IMAGE10 ![Steve O'Donnell was named NASCAR CEO in April, marking a new era for the sport]( "Steve O'Donnell was named NASCAR CEO in April, marking a new era for the sport") IMAGE6 