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3d ago

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps to Step Down at Month’s End

The exit follows backlash over texts revealed during the 23XI and Front Row antitrust case.

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
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)
Nov 5, 2021; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR president Steve Phelps speaks to the media prior to practice for the Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps. Image: Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Overview

  • Phelps will leave at the end of January after a 20-year run, less than a year after being named NASCAR’s first commissioner.
  • NASCAR says it will not immediately fill the commissioner role, with responsibilities shifting to president Steve O’Donnell and the executive leadership team.
  • The resignation comes weeks after court filings exposed Phelps’ disparaging texts about Hall of Fame owner Richard Childress, which drew public criticism including a letter from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris urging his removal.
  • The antitrust dispute with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports was settled in December, with reports indicating NASCAR agreed to establish permanent, or evergreen, team charters.
  • Phelps was credited with guiding major media rights deals starting in 2025, leading the sport’s return during COVID, and pushing schedule innovations such as the Coliseum and Chicago street races.