NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Steps Down After 20 Years With Racing Organization

Steve Phelps will exit NASCAR by late January. The 63-year-old spent over twenty years with the racing body. Officials called it a "personal decision to step away" from the company.

Phelps started in 2005 as a marketing manager. He climbed through several vice president positions. By early 2018, he held the chief operating officer job.

That same year brought bigger changes. He became the fifth president in NASCAR's first seventy years. Last March, his title shifted again when he took on the commissioner position — a first for the sport. Steve O'Donnell moved into the president slot at that time.

"As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR's first Commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities, and firsts over my 20 years," said Phelps in a statement. "Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees."

His years brought major shifts. The 2019 merger with International Speedway Corporation happened on his watch. The Next Gen race car debuted in 2022. He locked down media rights deals worth $7.7 billion and got teams to sign extended charter agreements.

The exit follows an antitrust case that settled before a Charlotte jury could finish hearing it. Pre-trial discovery brought internal texts to light. Evidence showed Phelps made harsh comments about several racing figures, including team owner Richard Childress.

Chairman and CEO Jim France offered praise. "Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR's most impactful leaders," said France in the announcement. "For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams, and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history."

No replacement has been named. The racing body won't seek outside help. Instead, Phelps' duties will spread among the president and other top leaders.

The 2026 season kicks off Feb. 1 with The Clash at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem. Two weeks later, the Daytona 500 takes place on Feb. 15.