Ben Kennedy Takes Over as Truck Series General Manager

By David Morgan, NASCAR Editor

NASCAR announced a handful of personnel moves among various leadership roles within the sport on Tuesday, with Ben Kennedy being named as the general manager of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series highlighting the announcement.

Kennedy, a fourth-generation member of the France family, is the great grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, Jr. His mother, Lesa France Kennedy, is the CEO of International Speedway Corporation, while his uncle, Brian France, is the current CEO of NASCAR.

Over the past four years, Kennedy has raced in both the Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, scoring one win, 10 top-five finishes, 26 top-10 finishes, and one pole in the Trucks, along with one top-five and three top-10 finishes in the Xfinity Series.

In his new role, Kennedy will oversee all aspects of the Truck Series, working closely with Brad Moran, the managing director of the Truck Series, as well as Jeff Wohlschlaeger, Managing Director, Series Marketing. He will report to Elton Sawyer, Vice President of Competition and will also work closely with Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, Steve 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,” said Brent Dewar, President, NASCAR. “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.”

Other personnel moves announced by NASCAR on Tuesday includes Jim Cassidy moving to a new role as Chief International Officer, where he will be charged with growing the NASCAR brand on the international level. He will oversee all international competition and commercial operations, building on the success of NASCAR’s three international series with the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada, NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

“Jim brings nearly two decades of racing operations and industry leadership experience,” said O’Donnell. “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.”

“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,” said Cassidy. “The demand for NASCAR racing internationally has never been stronger and we look forward to bringing our sport closer to race fans everywhere.”

In addition, Chad Seigler has been named Vice President of International Business Development, Celeste Griffin-Churchill takes over as Senior Director, International, Joe Balash continues as Director of International Competition, and Bob Duvall continues as Senior Director, International & Weekly/Touring Business Development. All four of these roles will be to help Cassidy bolster NASCAR’s international efforts.