Jim France leaving CEO role is major for NASCAR, even if it's not radical change

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Since losing its way in the mid-2000s as the once-Southern sport that tried to grow too big and too fast, NASCAR has struggled to find its identity.For all too long, it seemed to answer the question “Who are you?” with “Who do you want us to be?”In the same breath, it could be both forward-thinking and herald a return to retro roots. It could be ambitious for international growth while consolidating more events back into the South. It could seek a high-end, Formula 1-style clientele while bending over backward to show blue-collar fans it had not abandoned them.Advertisement