A Family Business
LIKE NONE OTHER
Lesa France Kennedy on the heritage, growth
and future of NASCAR
by Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO
Writer’s note: I recently had the opportunity to visit
with Lesa France Kennedy, vice chairman and
chief executive officer of International Speedway
Corporation (ISC). It was fascinating to gain the
perspective of one of the most powerful women in
sports, as we discussed her recollections of NASCAR®
history, her constant drive to improve the fan
experience, and her vision for the future. “Growing up in a
family business was
interesting, in many
ways,” Kennedy stated. “As
anyone who is involved in their
own family business knows, you don’t
leave work behind for Thanksgiving dinner or
Christmas Eve. You’re all in, which is great.”
W Kennedy, her uncle, Jim, and her brother, Brian, are all
involved in NASCAR and ISC—Jim as ISC’s chairman
of the board and Brian as NASCAR chairman and
CEO. “While we all have very strong personalities, we
focus on different areas,” Kennedy said. “Being able
to rely on the strengths of the other family members
when making decisions is very helpful. You know
you always have someone in your court, and you’ve
known their thought process for years.”
ith NASCAR claiming its spot as one of the
most popular sports in America, it may seem
strange to call it a family business. But it
is, and always has been, for Lesa France Kennedy,
vice chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of
International Speedway Corporation (ISC). As the
granddaughter of NASCAR co-founder Bill France,
Sr., Kennedy says the racing community has been the
center of her life for as long as she can remember.
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