Steve Phelps grew to become NASCAR’s first Commissioner in March of 2025 after beforehand working because the president of NASCAR since 2018.
Nonetheless, he’ll depart that place on the finish of January, and NASCAR doesn’t plan to switch the function of Commissioner in the interim. As a substitute, his duties will likely be shared by different current executives. As for why there will not be another person appointed to the function of Commissioner, NASCAR mentioned that this modification “comes throughout a time of stability with an distinctive management group in place that ensures the continuity of NASCAR’s strategic imaginative and prescient and important execution.”
NASCAR additionally referred to as it a ‘private choice’ by Phelps to depart, who launched the next assertion:
“As a lifelong race fan, it offers me immense satisfaction to have served as NASCAR’s first Commissioner and to guide our nice sport by way of so many unbelievable challenges, alternatives and firsts over my 20 years,” mentioned Phelps. Our sport is constructed on the eagerness of our followers, the dedication of our groups and companions, and the dedication of our great staff. It has been an honor to assist synthesize the keenness of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of latest entrants to our ecosystem, reminiscent of media companions, auto producers, observe operators, and unbelievable racing expertise.
Nascar Commissioner Steve Phelps
Photograph by: Sean Gardner / Getty Photographs
“As I embark on new pursuits in sports activities and different industries, I wish to thank the various colleagues, buddies, and particularly the followers which have performed such an vital and motivational function in my profession. Phrases can not totally convey the deep appreciation I’ve for this life-changing expertise, for the belief of the France household, and for having a spot in NASCAR’s superb historical past.”
No motive was given for his departure and he was praised all through the information launch, however Phelps hasn’t been the preferred man within the storage in current months. He was criticized closely for some controversial feedback that got here out throughout the 23XI/FRM vs. NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, which ended with a settlement partway by way of the trial. In unsealed paperwork displaying messages between NASCAR management, Phelps referred to as longtime group proprietor Richard Childress a “silly redneck” and steered he wanted to be flogged.
This sparked widespread condemnation, and in the midst of the trial, Bass Professional Outlets CEO Johnny Morris printed a scathing letter in protection of Childress, and implied that he wish to see Phelps faraway from his place.
Talking on his departure, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France mentioned: “Steve will ceaselessly be remembered as one in all NASCAR’s most impactful leaders. For many years he has labored tirelessly to thrill followers, help groups and execute a imaginative and prescient for the game that has handled us all to a few of the biggest moments in our almost 80-year historical past. It’s been an honor to work alongside him in attaining the not possible like being the primary sport to return throughout Covid, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races within the LA Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever avenue race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting progress mindset.”
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