Steve Phelps is stepping away from his role as NASCAR Commissioner.
On Tuesday, the sanctioning body confirmed that Phelps, a long-time executive for America’s top motorsport, made the personal decision to step away from the company and his role as the first-ever Commissioner of NASCAR. After first joining the company more than two decades ago (in 2005), Phelps will be transitioning out of the corporate landscape 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 Steve 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 who 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.”
The change at the top of NASCAR’s corporate structure comes less than a month after the end of a contentious antitrust lawsuit that pitted NASCAR and CEO Jim France against two NASCAR Cup Series teams (23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports), which resulted in a settlement forcing NASCAR to make concessions in the form of evergreen charters and improved financial terms.
Under Phelps’s leadership, the sport has transformed its annual schedule with one-of-a-kind new events and ‘bucket list’ fan experiences, reshaping its strategic vision and expanding its international footprint. Phelps was also instrumental in many landmark changes in NASCAR, including the new television rights deal with FOX, NBC, TNT Sports, Amazon’s Prime Video, and The CW, as well as the implementation of the seventh-generation racecar.
“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.”
In 2019, Phelps led NASCAR’s historic merger with International Speedway Corporation (ISC), and one year later, as the leader of the sport, was faced with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, which paralyzed all sports activities for a short period in the Spring of 2020. Thanks to Phelps and NASCAR’s leadership, the sport was one of the first to return to action during the pandemic with updated safety measures.
“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.”
NASCAR has not announced any additional leadership or personnel changes. As per the sanctioning body, Phelps’s departure comes in a time of stability. The duties of the Commissioner will be spread throughout NASCAR’s management team, including the role of NASCAR President.
