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NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps will resign from his position at the end of January, marking the end of a two-decade career with America’s top motorsport organization. NASCAR confirmed that Phelps made a personal decision to step away and will transition out of the company by the end of the month, just ahead of the 2026 season opener.
Phelps’ Rise to the Commissioner Role
Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 after leaving the NFL and steadily rose through the executive ranks. He became president of NASCAR in 2018 and was promoted to the newly created role of commissioner in March 2025. Although he held the commissioner title for less than a year, his overall impact spanned more than 20 years of leadership and transformation.
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Controversy Surrounding Federal Antitrust Trial
Phelps’ resignation follows intense scrutiny during a federal antitrust trial involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. During the discovery process, text messages surfaced in which Phelps made derogatory remarks about Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress. In one exchange, he referred to Childress using offensive language while negotiations over charter agreements were ongoing.
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Fallout from Private Messages
The leaked communications damaged Phelps’ standing with key stakeholders. Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, a longtime NASCAR partner and supporter of Richard Childress Racing, publicly demanded Phelps’ removal. Morris compared the situation to a hypothetical sports commissioner insulting a legend like Babe Ruth, suggesting such conduct would not be tolerated by fans.
Settlement Ends Legal Battle but Pressure Remains
NASCAR settled the antitrust lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in December, one day after Morris sent his letter. While the settlement ended the legal dispute, criticism of Phelps’ conduct continued. Phelps later testified that he regretted his words, apologized to Childress, and said frustration drove the comments.
Phelps Reflects on His NASCAR Career
In a farewell statement, Phelps expressed pride in serving as NASCAR’s first commissioner. He highlighted the passion of fans, teams, partners, and employees as the foundation of the sport. Phelps said he plans to pursue new opportunities in sports and other industries and thanked the France family for their trust and support.
Transforming NASCAR’s Vision and Schedule
Under Phelps’ leadership, NASCAR modernized its schedule with new events and fan-focused experiences. He played a central role in launching races at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and on the streets of downtown Chicago. NASCAR also became the first major sport to return to competition during the COVID-19 shutdown.
Major Business and Innovation Achievements
Phelps helped secure long-term media rights deals and charter agreements while expanding NASCAR’s international reach. He also oversaw the introduction of the Next Gen race car in 2022, only the seventh new vehicle platform in the sport’s history. NASCAR leaders credit him with reshaping the organization’s strategic vision.
Praise from NASCAR’s Top Executives
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France described Phelps as one of the most impactful leaders in the sport’s nearly 80-year history. Executive Vice Chair Lesa France Kennedy praised his commitment to fans and his ability to build consensus. Both emphasized the lasting foundation he leaves behind.
What Comes Next for NASCAR
NASCAR does not plan to replace the commissioner role immediately. Phelps’ responsibilities will be distributed internally through President Steve O’Donnell and the executive leadership team. NASCAR said the organization remains stable and focused on executing its long-term vision as it enters a new season without its first commissioner.
