NASCAR makes personnel changes, Ben Kennedy named to leadership role

Cassidy will oversee all international competition and commercial operations and report to Steve O’Donnell, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer.

“Jim brings nearly two decades of racing operations and industry leadership experience. He has worked tirelessly to grow our existing motorsports properties outside of the U.S and will lead our efforts to identify important growth opportunities internationally for our sport and its growing fanbase,” said O’Donnell.

The move comes on the heels of the sanctioning body’s expansion with the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada, NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

“NASCAR racing is broadcast in over 185 countries and territories, with race fans engaging stock car racing in person at events in Canada, Mexico and across Europe. The demand for NASCAR racing internationally has never been stronger and we look forward to bringing our sport closer to race fans everywhere,” said Cassidy.

Chad Seigler joins Cassidy’s effort as Vice President, International Business Development as NASCAR continues to expand its reach abroad. Other moves include Celeste Griffin-Churchill as Senior Director, International, while Joe Balash remains Director, International Competition, and Bob Duvall as Senior Director, International & Weekly/Touring Business Development.

Ben Kennedy's new position 

Ben Kennedy is taking on more of leadership role in the family business as General Manager, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He will be work alongside NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Managing Director, Brad Moran, and Jeff Wohlschlaeger, Managing Director, Series Marketing. Kennedy, the son of International Speedway Corp., Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy, will report to Elton Sawyer, Vice President, Competition. He will work closely with O’Donnell and Steve Phelps, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer.

“Ben will draw upon his years of experience across NASCAR’s grassroots and national series to bring valuable commercial and competition insights to our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. With promising young drivers and experienced veterans battling it out in close, side-by-side racing, Ben truly understands from experience that every lap matters and we are excited about his future leadership in this important national series,” said Brent Dewar, President, NASCAR.

Kennedy talked about his decision on social media, saying the following: