Jim France Bringing Welcome Change As NASCAR’s New Leader

Jim France. Most people in the NASCAR paddock hope Brian France never returns

Jim France coming on as NASCAR Chair & CEO has been "welcomed by many within the sport," and his reign is a "throwback of sorts" to that of his late brother Bill Jr. and father, NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr., according to A.J. Perez of USA TODAY.

After Jim's nephew, former Chair & CEO Brian France, took an indefinite leave from his role in August, Jim was given the title on an interim basis, but that designation has since "become more permanent." Driver Kyle Busch said, “Jim has done a tremendous job of at least being around.

He’s always taking notes, he’s always listening to people. … He’s down in the trenches, figuring it all out and trying to make some moves for the betterment of the sport." Brian France got "knocked for not attending races, although he went to roughly half of the Cup races" USA TODAY.

SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL's Adam Stern cites sources as saying that Jim France has been "making major moves behind the scenes" and has "impressed the garage by turning up to every race since he took over last season, on top of attending countless industry meetings."

By contrast, Brian was "criticized over the years behind the scenes for being less than fully engaged and only occasionally seen or heard from publicly."

Jim has steered NASCAR to "spend more time and money on what’s most important to improving the sport." NASCAR President Steve Phelps said that this means "staying focused on the core aim of putting on exciting races that fill grandstands and get good TV ratings." SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL