NASCAR Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

NASCAR has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, administration, finance, development, management, venue oversight, and legal affairs.

Focused on expanding the reach of premier motorsports, NASCAR drives global engagement through diverse racing series and world-class entertainment facilities across North America and international markets.

Leadership Roles at NASCAR

  • Chief Executive Officer - Steve O'Donnell
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Motto
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ben Kennedy
  • Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development - Derek Muldowney
  • President - Franklin Kelleher
  • President, Watkins Glen International - Dawn Burlew Schmidt
  • Vice President Chief Technology Officer - John Martin
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Nicole Haves
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Amanda Oliver
  • Steve O'Donnell - Chief Executive Officer

    Steve O'Donnell, the Chief Executive Officer at NASCAR, directs the overarching strategic vision for the premier sanctioning body in motorsports. Overseeing the competitive integrity of the Cup, Xfinity, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between racing innovation and fan engagement. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with teams, manufacturers, and broadcast partners to maintain market dominance. By optimizing the race day experience across 1,200 annual events, Steve O'Donnell directly impacts the growth of the sport. Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer coordinates with international series leadership to expand the footprint of the organization into new global territories. Through rigorous oversight of the competitive landscape, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the brand while fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
    Steve O'Donnell

    Gregory Motto - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Motto, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at NASCAR, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the organization. Overseeing the financial planning for the 16 major motorsports entertainment facilities, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from the various national and international series to support long-term investment strategies. By optimizing the cost structure of the organization, Gregory Motto directly impacts the profitability of the business. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer also works closely with the Board to evaluate potential acquisitions and infrastructure projects. Through disciplined financial oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to sustain the growth of the sport across North America and beyond.
    Gregory Motto

    Ben Kennedy - Chief Operating Officer

    Ben Kennedy, the Chief Operating Officer at NASCAR, manages the day-to-day execution of racing operations and venue management. Overseeing the logistical complexity of sanctioning races across 12 countries, the Chief Operating Officer ensures operational excellence at every event. This leadership role involves integrating the various regional and grassroots series into the broader corporate ecosystem. By streamlining the interaction between the sanctioning body and the 16 major entertainment facilities, Ben Kennedy directly impacts the efficiency of the entire organization. The Chief Operating Officer also evaluates new market opportunities to enhance the spectator experience and increase attendance. Through constant monitoring of operational metrics, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of safety and performance across all North American and international circuits, ensuring that the organization remains the leader in motorsports entertainment.
    Ben Kennedy

    Derek Muldowney - Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development

    Derek Muldowney, the Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development at NASCAR, leads the physical expansion and architectural evolution of the organization. Overseeing the design and construction of major motorsports entertainment facilities, the Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development ensures that every venue meets the highest standards of safety and fan experience. This leadership role involves managing the development of ONE DAYTONA and other key real estate assets. By modernizing the infrastructure of the tracks, Derek Muldowney directly impacts the long-term value of the company's physical portfolio. The Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development also coordinates with regional teams to implement facility upgrades across the United States. Through innovative design strategies, the Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development enhances the overall appeal of the sport.
    Derek Muldowney

    Franklin Kelleher - President

    Franklin Kelleher, the President at NASCAR, directs the broad business operations and market presence of the organization. Overseeing the strategic direction of the various national and international series, the President ensures that the brand maintains its status as the No. 1 form of motorsports. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key stakeholders and driving the commercial success of the organization. By aligning the goals of the regional and grassroots series with the national series, Franklin Kelleher directly impacts the growth of the sport. The President also monitors the competitive landscape to identify new opportunities for expansion in international markets. Through the management of high-level partnerships and the oversight of organizational performance, the President secures the continued relevance and popularity of the brand in a rapidly evolving sports entertainment industry.

    Dawn Burlew Schmidt - President, Watkins Glen International

    Dawn Burlew Schmidt, the President, Watkins Glen International at NASCAR, manages the operations and strategic growth of the specific venue. Overseeing the event calendar and fan experience at the facility, the President, Watkins Glen International ensures that the track remains a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts. This leadership role involves coordinating with the national organization to host major racing events and local grassroots series. By optimizing the operational efficiency of the facility, Dawn Burlew Schmidt directly impacts the revenue generated at the site. The President, Watkins Glen International also focuses on community engagement and regional marketing to increase attendance. Through the management of the venue's unique assets, the President, Watkins Glen International contributes to the overall success of the organization by providing a world-class environment for racing and entertainment.

    John Martin - Vice President Chief Technology Officer

    John Martin, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer at NASCAR, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the premier form of motorsports. Overseeing the integration of advanced data analytics and broadcast technology, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of digital innovation. This leadership role involves managing the technical requirements for Racing Electronics and the Motor Racing Network to provide seamless connectivity for fans and teams. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, John Martin directly impacts the speed and accuracy of race-day data delivery. The Vice President Chief Technology Officer also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to modernize the digital footprint of the organization. Through the deployment of cutting-edge software and hardware, the Vice President Chief Technology Officer secures the technological advantage necessary to maintain the competitive edge of the sport.

    Nicole Haves - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Nicole Haves, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at NASCAR, coordinates the administrative functions and strategic initiatives across the executive leadership team. Overseeing the internal communication flow and project prioritization, the Vice President, Chief of Staff ensures that corporate goals remain aligned with the mission of the organization. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level meetings and managing the execution of cross-departmental objectives. By optimizing the decision-making process, Nicole Haves directly impacts the agility of the company. The Vice President, Chief of Staff also monitors the progress of key initiatives related to the 1,200 annual races and the development of ONE DAYTONA. Through the management of executive workflows, the Vice President, Chief of Staff supports the overall efficiency of the organization, ensuring that all departments operate in harmony to achieve long-term growth and stability.
    Amanda Oliver, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at NASCAR, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance for the organization. Overseeing the complex legal framework governing the 1,200 annual races, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company adheres to all regional and international regulations. This leadership role involves managing intellectual property, contract negotiations, and risk mitigation for the various series and facilities. By providing sound legal counsel, Amanda Oliver directly impacts the protection of the brand and its assets. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer also works with the Board to navigate the legal challenges associated with global expansion. Through the management of legal affairs, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer secures the integrity of the organization and supports the smooth execution of all business operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NASCAR Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NASCAR?
    NASCAR is led by Steve O'Donnell (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gregory Motto (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Ben Kennedy (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of NASCAR’s executive team?
    The executive team of NASCAR includes leaders such as Steve O'Donnell (Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Motto (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Ben Kennedy (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NASCAR have?
    NASCAR has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NASCAR’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NASCAR includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior VP, Facilities Development & President, Nascar Design & Development, President.