The time period ‘commissioner’ is one thing followers of most stick-and-ball sports activities are extraordinarily conversant in. The NFL has Roger Goodell, the NBA has Adam Silver, the MLB has Rob Manfred, but it surely’s a task that hasn’t actually existed in the identical type in NASCAR.
Now, inventory automotive racing has used the title earlier than, however not within the conventional sense. It has been purely ceremonial or restricted in its precise energy. However now, it is very actual with various energy behind it as Steve Phelps has been elevated to this newly established position of commissioner. Phelps will straight oversee all 15 NASCAR divisions and IMSA. Phelps has labored for NASCAR in some position for the final twenty years and has been president since 2018. The place the commissioner position is available in is what’s subsequent for the game — as one of many pillars of Phelps’ new position will probably be worldwide enlargement, which has been on the game’s radar from a while.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps, John Hunter Nemechek, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota
Picture by: Chris Graythen – Getty Photographs
Talks are ongoing about getting the NASCAR Cup Collection into each Brazil and Canada. And NASCAR’s first worldwide Cup race in a long time is about to happen in June of this yr once they head to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico Metropolis. Phelps will spearhead furthering these efforts as NASCAR goals to seize the curiosity of a extra world fanbase. That may probably embody a aim to develop the worldwide presence behind the wheel as nicely, because the Cup Collection has two worldwide drivers competing full-time in the meanwhile with New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen and Mexico’s Daniel Suarez.
Phelps, who was the fifth particular person to function President of NASCAR earlier than being promoted to the newly established position of Commissioner, may also be tasked with “offering worth to all stakeholders whereas rising world fan engagement.”
What does that imply? Whereas particular initiatives weren’t revealed, Phelps’ position might put him on the forefront of Constitution dealings with the groups. The present Constitution Settlement runs by means of 2031, however with 23XI Racing and Entrance Row Motorsports suing NASCAR over alleged antitrust violations, there’s the chance all the system might be dissolved as soon as the courtroom battle is over. Past that, we are able to anticipate Phelps to be in search of new methods to convey worth to the game’s shareholders and supply followers a greater viewing expertise. How he plans to do this stays to be seen.
Steve Phelps, Nascar President
Picture by: Sean Gardner / Getty Photographs
Then there’s Steve O’Donnell, one other title NASCAR followers know nicely. Earlier than being named President and filling the position vacated by Phelps, he has worn many hats throughout the inventory automotive racing collection, however most lately, he labored as the game’s Chief Working Officer. Previously, O’Donnell was typically NASCAR’s voice in vital moments and controversial choices, however it appears that evidently the vice chairman of competitors, Elton Sawyer, has taken on that burden in recent times.
O’Donnell’s duties is not going to actually change, however merely develop as he takes on the title of president of NASCAR. Amongst his many duties will probably be overseeing the game’s investments and content material creation/distribution by means of NASCAR’s brand-new manufacturing facility. NASCAR Studios, which was established in 2022, has been creating varied reveals and documentaries that diehard followers of the game will love, but in addition with the aim of attracting new eyes. NASCAR Studios is an integral a part of Netflix’s NASCAR: Full Velocity — a present comparable in construction to the Formulation 1’s wildly profitable Drive to Survive.
Steve O’Donnell
Picture by: James Holland
O’Donnell will proceed to have main sway within the on-track product, placing collectively the annual schedule, in addition to overseeing day-to-day operations throughout the sport.
Ultimately, do not anticipate to see important adjustments in the best way the game is run from the surface, however internally, this alteration in construction means Phelps could have loads on his plate as everybody appears to be like to NASCAR’s ‘commissioner’ shifting ahead.
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