1-On-1 With NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell | Playoffs, Car Changes, New OEMs, Lawsuit, and More!

Eric Estepp sat down with NASCAR’s President Steve O’Donnell for an in-depth conversation about where the sport is headed. From sponsorship shakeups to the future of the schedule, from the integrity of the championship format to what’s next for the Next Gen car, nothing was off the table. O’Donnell opened up about NASCAR’s priorities, the balance between tradition and experimentation, and the long-term vision that could define the next decade of stock car racing.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Deal and Xfinity Series Future

Steve O’Donnell opened up about NASCAR’s new partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts as the title sponsor of the Xfinity Series. He framed it as a strong signal of stability and long-term commitment, but also hinted that the series may continue to evolve in its role within the sport. O’Donnell emphasized that Xfinity must remain both a proving ground for young talent and a place where veterans can shine.

• Why did NASCAR lock in O’Reilly as the new title sponsor, and what does that say about the business health of the series?
• How does O’Donnell view the balance between Cup veterans racing down versus Xfinity being a pure development league?
• Could the Xfinity Series eventually become NASCAR’s testing ground for bold new formats and schedules?

Schedule and Market Expansion

O’Donnell didn’t shy away from schedule talk, noting NASCAR is always evaluating which markets deserve attention. He pointed to a mix of old favorites fans want back and bold new experiments in major cities. The Clash at the Coliseum was mentioned as proof NASCAR can think outside the box, but O’Donnell stopped short of committing to any permanent shifts.

• Will NASCAR lean toward reviving classic tracks like Rockingham and Bowman Gray, or push harder into new markets like San Diego and Coronado?
• Is the Clash truly a one-off showcase, or could it be a model for more exhibition races in major markets?
• Could Xfinity or Trucks be used as test pilots for these new markets before Cup arrives?

Playoff Format and Championship Integrity

The playoff system remains one of the most debated elements of NASCAR, and O’Donnell acknowledged the tension between tradition and modern entertainment. He stressed that legitimacy in crowning a champion is critical, while still leaving room for tweaks. The question is whether those changes should be tested in lower series before hitting Cup.

• Should experimental playoff tweaks first appear in Xfinity or Trucks rather than directly in Cup?
• How concerned is NASCAR with making sure the Cup champion feels “earned” and respected by fans?
• Would NASCAR consider changing the playoff field size again, or is the current format considered stable?

Next Gen Car and Future Technology

When asked about the car, O’Donnell admitted NASCAR is still working on small adjustments to horsepower and tires but avoided promising sweeping changes. He also touched on the bigger vision: differentiating the cars across all three national series and exploring new technologies like electric or hydrogen, though more as showcases than replacements.

• Are incremental changes to horsepower and tires enough, or is a deeper redesign on the horizon?
• Could NASCAR move toward more variety between Cup, Xfinity, and Truck cars to highlight different identities?
• How realistic is it that electric or hydrogen-powered races could appear within the next decade?

The Bigger Picture

At the core of O’Donnell’s comments was a reminder that NASCAR constantly balances fan expectations with the realities of team finances and long-term growth. Some experiments will work, others may not, but the goal is to evolve without losing the sport’s foundation. The tension between tradition, business, and entertainment was a recurring theme throughout.

• How does NASCAR balance financial stability with the push for more exciting racing?
• Is the sanctioning body prepared to sacrifice some tradition if it means keeping fans entertained?
• Does NASCAR rely more on long-term planning, or is it adapting year to year with new experiments?

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