NASCAR has announced that commissioner Steve Phelps will vacate his position by the end of the month.
“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,” said Phelps.
“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.
“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.”
Phelps, who was named to the new role in the spring of 2025, joined NASCAR in 2005. The decision, which was attributed to Phelps, comes after he was thrust into the spotlight during the December trial in the antitrust lawsuit brought against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Text messages revealed that Phelps insulted team owner Richard Childress.
During the trial, when Phelps was called to testify, he acknowledged that his comments were made in frustration and that he had apologized to Childress. Johnny Morris, the owner of Bass Pro Shops, a sponsor of Childress, wrote a letter at the same time that called for Phelps to be removed from his position.
Before being named commissioner, Phelps served as NASCAR president (2018 to 2025). Phelps was initially the vice president of corporate marketing when he joined the sport.
“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO, Jim France. “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.”
“Over his two decades at NASCAR, Steve has balanced strong leadership and a consistent pursuit of excellence with a sincere commitment to our fans,” said NASCAR Executive Vice Chair Lesa France Kennedy. “He has helped to bring fans some of the best, most unforgettable moments in our history, and most importantly, he’s laid an incredible foundation for continued growth and success for the entire sport. A true consensus builder and passionate advocate, we thank Steve for bringing his intelligence, integrity and love of racing to this sport each and every day. While his career may take him elsewhere, he’ll always have a place in our NASCAR family.”
