NASCAR announced today that Steve Phelps has made the personal decision to step away from the organization and his role as Commissioner of America’s top motorsport. Phelps, who joined NASCAR in 2005, will officially transition out of the company by the end of the month, closing a two-decade chapter marked by growth, innovation, and transformative leadership.
“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,” Phelps said. “Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees. It has been an honor to help synthesize the enthusiasm of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of new entrants to our ecosystem.”
Phelps added that as he embarks on new pursuits across sports and other industries, he remains deeply grateful for the trust placed in him by the France family, his colleagues, and NASCAR fans. “Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history,” he said.
During Phelps’s tenure, NASCAR underwent sweeping changes aimed at modernizing the sport while expanding its reach. Under his leadership, the sanctioning body reshaped its annual schedule with new marquee events and fan-focused experiences, expanded its international footprint, secured long-term media rights and charter agreements, and built a leadership team centered on long-term growth. His accomplishments also include overseeing NASCAR’s merger with International Speedway Corporation, launching the Next Gen race car in 2022—just the seventh new vehicle platform in the sport’s history—and prioritizing inclusion and accessibility for fans across the industry.
“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France. “He has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams, and execute a vision that delivered some of the most memorable moments in our nearly 80-year history. From returning to competition during the COVID-19 pandemic to launching new events like the LA Memorial Coliseum race and NASCAR’s first street race in downtown Chicago, Steve leaves behind a transformative legacy.”
NASCAR Executive Vice Chair Lesa France Kennedy echoed those sentiments, praising Phelps’s leadership and dedication to fans. “Over his two decades at NASCAR, Steve balanced strong leadership with a sincere commitment to excellence and inclusivity,” she said. “He laid an incredible foundation for continued growth and success, and while his career may take him elsewhere, he will always be part of the NASCAR family.”
NASCAR confirmed that no additional leadership or personnel changes have been announced at this time. The organization stated there are no immediate plans to replace the Commissioner role, with Phelps’s responsibilities to be delegated internally through NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell and the executive leadership team, ensuring continuity and stability moving forward.
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