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yesterday

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Resigns After Texts Exposed in Antitrust Case

NASCAR will redistribute his duties to existing leaders rather than appoint a successor.

Oct 31, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps speaks to the media during the state of the sport press conference in the media center at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 23: Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR looks on prior to the running of the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 on February 23, 2025, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

Overview

  • Phelps will leave by the end of January, less than a year after becoming the organization’s first commissioner.
  • Texts disclosed during the 23XI/Front Row antitrust trial showed him calling team owner Richard Childress “a stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”
  • The disclosures prompted backlash from stakeholders, including a public letter from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris urging his ouster.
  • NASCAR says no further leadership changes are planned, with president Steve O’Donnell and the executive team taking over Phelps’ responsibilities.
  • The exit comes one month after NASCAR settled the lawsuit with the teams, a case centered on charters and revenue sharing that led to concessions on team charters.