NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell thanks fans, reflects on emotional 2026 season
NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell is thanking fans for their loyalty and passion following a 2026 season filled with historic moments, championship celebrations and the heartbreaking loss of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.
In an open letter published Thursday, O'Donnell reflected on a season that included Tyler Reddick's Daytona 500 victory, NASCAR's historic race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego and the return of The Chase, which culminated in Kyle Larson capturing his third Cup Series championship.
O'Donnell also acknowledged the loss of Busch and the overwhelming support shown by the NASCAR community. Fans honored the driver by raising eight fingers on Lap 8 at races across the country, while the racing community rallied around his wife, Samantha, and children, Brexton and Lennix.
"We are a family. We compete fiercely; we don't always agree, but when it matters most, we come together," O'Donnell wrote.
The NASCAR executive, who became CEO earlier this year, also addressed the importance of listening to fans and acknowledged that the sanctioning body has work to do. He emphasized that NASCAR must continue earning the support of its audience while balancing the sport's traditions with its future growth.
"I know there are things we need to do better," O'Donnell wrote. "I know we won't always agree on every decision."
O'Donnell, who has spent 30 years in NASCAR, praised Larson's championship performance while emphasizing the importance of grassroots racing, longtime supporters and families who have passed their love of the sport from one generation to the next.
Looking ahead to 2027, O'Donnell said NASCAR remains committed to improving the fan experience while preserving the traditions that helped build the sport. He closed his message by thanking fans for their continued passion and wishing them a happy holiday season.
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