Ben Kennedy (NASCAR)

Benjamin Kennedy (born December 26, 1991) is an American motorsports executive and former professional stock car racing driver. He currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer for NASCAR.

Executive career

General manager of Truck Series

On January 30, 2018, Kennedy was appointed as the general manager of the Camping World Truck Series. After one season in the role, he transitioned to a position focused on strategic initiatives.

NASCAR front office

In January 2019, Kennedy joined NASCAR's racing operations team, focusing on the sport's international development. A year later, he was promoted to Vice President of Racing Development. In July 2020, he advanced to Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, overseeing racing development for NASCAR's three national series. By June 2021, he was named Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, reporting directly to NASCAR President Steve Phelps.

Kennedy is responsible for developing the schedules for the sport's top three series. In this role, he played a key part in introducing the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, a pre-season exhibition race held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. NASCAR refers to him as the "point man" for scheduling.

On March 10, 2022, NASCAR announced the promotion of Kennedy to Senior Vice President of Racing Development and Strategy.

On July 17, 2024, NASCAR further elevated him to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer as part of a major company restructuring.

Racing career

Kennedy launched his racing career on the short tracks of central Florida, earning championships in Super Late Models at Orlando Speedworld and in Pro Truck racing at both Orlando Speedworld and New Smyrna Speedway. He made his touring series debut in the K&N Pro Series East in 2010 and competed full-time in the series starting in 2011.

In 2012, Kennedy competed in the full K&N Pro Series East schedule and participated in the inaugural Euro Racecar Series event under NASCAR sanction. He won the race at Tours Speedway, marking the first NASCAR event held on an oval in Europe.

After finishing ninth in series points in 2012, Kennedy was highlighted by Fox Sports in January 2013 as one of NASCAR's "Drivers 25 and Under to Watch." Later that year, he secured his first career win in the K&N Pro Series East during the series' inaugural race at Five Flags Speedway in his home state of Florida. Kennedy also announced plans to compete in three Camping World Truck Series races with Turner Scott Motorsports, racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, and Homestead–Miami Speedway. He ultimately participated in five events, achieving a best finish of fourth at Martinsville Speedway. Kennedy capped off the season by being named the K&N Pro Series East's Most Popular Driver for 2013.

In December 2013, it was announced that Kennedy would drive the No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado full-time for Turner Scott Motorsports in the 2014 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, competing for Rookie of the Year. Kennedy earned eight top-ten finishes and claimed Rookie of the Year honors. However, the team ceased operations at the end of the season.

In December 2014, Kennedy was announced as the driver of the No. 11 Local Motors Toyota Tundra for Red Horse Racing.

On July 9, 2015, during a race in Kentucky, Kennedy was involved in an incident with seven laps remaining. David Gilliland clipped Kennedy, sending his truck into the fence and causing significant damage to the rear. The crash led to a red flag, and the race was ultimately called off with five laps remaining. Despite the severity of the crash, Kennedy was uninjured.

On February 14, 2016, Kennedy announced his return to Red Horse Racing with new sponsor JACOB Companies. However, on April 15, the team announced that Kennedy had parted ways with them. Just ten days later, he joined GMS Racing to drive the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado. On August 17, 2016, after setbacks for both Daniel Suárez and William Byron, Kennedy secured a victory in the Bristol race, defeating Brett Moffitt in a thrilling duel. This win qualified him for the inaugural Truck Series Chase. Kennedy advanced from the Round of 8 to the Round of 6 but was eliminated after the Lucas Oil 150. He finished the season seventh in points.

During the 2016 season, Kennedy made his Xfinity Series debut, driving the No. 2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing at Iowa Speedway. He qualified sixth and finished tenth.

On February 6, 2017, it was announced that Kennedy would compete in nine Xfinity Series races for Richard Childress Racing, sharing the No. 2 car with Austin Dillon and Paul Menard. During the offseason, Kennedy received an offer to drive in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from an undisclosed team, along with other opportunities. However, he opted for the part-time Xfinity ride, valuing the experience and guidance available within an established Cup organization. Later, Kennedy expanded his schedule with a twelve-race agreement to drive the No. 96 car for GMS Racing.

Motorsports career results

NASCAR

( key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. ''Italics'' – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Xfinity Series

Camping World Truck Series

K&N Pro Series East

K&N Pro Series West

Season still in progress

Ineligible for series points

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kennedy, Ben
Living people
1991 births
Racing drivers from Daytona Beach, Florida
NASCAR drivers
University of Florida alumni
France family
Contestants on American game shows
Richard Childress Racing drivers
Auto racing executives