Particle.news
Download on the App Store
33 ARTICLES
·
23h ago

Steve Phelps Resigns as NASCAR Commissioner; Role Will Remain Vacant

The move follows an antitrust case that exposed his derogatory texts about team owner Richard Childress.

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
Image
Image
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 depart at the end of January 2026, concluding a 20-year tenure and less than a year after becoming NASCAR’s first commissioner in March 2025.
  • NASCAR says it will not immediately replace the commissioner position, with responsibilities shifting to president Steve O’Donnell and the existing executive leadership team.
  • Discovery in the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports antitrust suit revealed 2023 messages in which Phelps called Childress a "stupid redneck" and said he should be "taken out back and flogged."
  • Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris publicly urged Phelps’ removal, and the parties settled the lawsuit shortly after trial testimony, with reporting indicating concessions such as evergreen charters and improved financial terms.
  • NASCAR leadership lauded Phelps’ legacy, including long-term media-rights deals, schedule innovations, the Next Gen car rollout, the ISC merger, and the sport’s early return to competition during COVID-19.