NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps to Step Down at Season’s End, Role to be Absorbed by Existing Leadership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Steve Phelps, who made history as NASCAR’s inaugural Commissioner, has announced his departure from the role, effective at the conclusion of January. Phelps, who transitioned into the Commissioner position in March 2025 after a successful tenure as NASCAR President since 2018, will not be directly replaced. NASCAR has confirmed that the responsibilities of the Commissioner will be distributed among its current executive leadership team.

This strategic decision, according to a statement released by NASCAR, reflects a period of significant stability within the organization. "This change comes during a time of stability with an exceptional leadership team in place that ensures the continuity of NASCAR’s strategic vision and critical execution," the statement read. The organization emphasized that this move is not indicative of any structural deficit but rather a proactive measure to leverage existing talent and ensure a seamless transition.

Phelps himself characterized his departure as a "personal decision," expressing deep gratitude for his extensive career with the racing sanctioning body. "As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR’s first Commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities and firsts over my 20 years," Phelps stated in a released message. "Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees. It has been an honor to help synthesize the enthusiasm of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of new entrants to our ecosystem, such as media partners, auto manufacturers, track operators, and incredible racing talent."

He further elaborated on his reflections, noting, "As I embark on new pursuits in sports and other industries, I want to thank the many colleagues, friends, and especially the fans that have played such an important and motivational role in my career. Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history."

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Phelps’ tenure, particularly in his recent role as Commissioner, has coincided with a period of significant evolution for NASCAR, marked by ambitious initiatives aimed at broadening the sport’s appeal and navigating complex stakeholder relationships. His leadership has been associated with strategic partnerships and the introduction of innovative racing formats.

However, Phelps’ departure follows a period of considerable scrutiny stemming from the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. While the lawsuit was settled prior to a full trial, unsealed documents revealed internal communications that generated significant controversy. Among these were messages attributed to Phelps that contained disparaging remarks about Richard Childress, a prominent and long-standing team owner. Phelps reportedly referred to Childress as a "stupid redneck" and suggested he should be "flogged."

These remarks drew widespread condemnation. Notably, Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops and a significant figure in the sport’s commercial landscape, penned a strongly worded letter in defense of Childress. The letter, published during the pendency of the lawsuit, implied a desire for Phelps’ removal from his leadership position, highlighting the deep-seated relationships and sensitivities within the NASCAR community.

Despite these recent controversies, NASCAR leadership has been quick to acknowledge Phelps’ contributions. Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, offered a strong endorsement of Phelps’ impact. "Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders," France said in a statement. "For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history. It’s been an honor to work alongside him in achieving the impossible like being the first sport to return during Covid, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races in the LA Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset."

France’s comments highlight key achievements during Phelps’ leadership, including the sport’s successful resumption of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that was lauded for its logistical complexity and adherence to public health guidelines. The introduction of the Chicago street race, a groundbreaking event for NASCAR, and the return to the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Busch Light Clash exhibition race also represent significant strategic decisions that have broadened the sport’s reach and exposure to new demographics.

Phelps’ career at NASCAR spans two decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s commercial strategy, broadcast partnerships, and overall brand identity. As President, he was instrumental in negotiating lucrative media rights deals and fostering relationships with key manufacturers and sponsors. His transition to Commissioner in 2025 was seen as a move to consolidate oversight and strategic direction at the highest level of the organization.

The decision to absorb the Commissioner role into the existing executive structure suggests a confidence in the current leadership team’s ability to manage the sport’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning. This approach allows for a more integrated decision-making process, potentially streamlining communication and execution across various departments. The specific allocation of Phelps’ former duties will likely be detailed in subsequent internal communications, but it is understood that senior executives will collectively assume these responsibilities.

As NASCAR looks ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, the organization faces ongoing challenges and opportunities. These include adapting to evolving fan demographics, maintaining the sport’s appeal in a competitive entertainment landscape, and continuing to innovate on the track and in its business operations. The transition in leadership at the Commissioner level, while significant, appears to be positioned by the organization as a natural progression within a period of established strength and strategic clarity. The coming months will reveal the full extent of the internal adjustments as NASCAR prepares for a new chapter without its first Commissioner.

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