NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has announced he will step down at the end of January. Having been with NASCAR since 2005, Phelps shared his decision in a statement issued on Tuesday.
In his statement, Phelps expressed pride in serving as NASCAR’s first commissioner and guiding the sport through many challenges and milestones over the past two decades. He highlighted the sport’s foundation built on passionate fans, dedicated teams, partners, and employees, and felt honored to unite the long-standing NASCAR community with new entrants such as media partners, car manufacturers, track operators, and talented racers. As he moves on to new ventures in sports and other fields, he extended gratitude to colleagues, friends, and fans who supported him throughout his career, recognizing the trust of the French family and his role in NASCAR’s history as deeply meaningful.
NASCAR confirmed that Phelps made a personal decision to resign but has not announced any changes to its management or plans to appoint a new commissioner. His duties will be reassigned to other executives within the organization.
This announcement follows revelations from court documents showing Phelps made disrespectful remarks about Richard Childress, owner of RCR and former driver. In a text exchange with 2023 NASCAR Vice President Brian Herbst, Phelps described Childress with derogatory terms and suggested he should be punished. These comments arose amid negotiations over a new charter agreement involving Childress.
The texts were disclosed in November during the 23XI/FRM vs. NASCAR antitrust lawsuit. Following the backlash, Childress hinted at legal action, and Johnny Morris, CEO of longtime NASCAR sponsor Bass Pro Shops, called for Phelps’ dismissal. The suit was settled in December among the involved parties.
Phelps’ resignation ends his two-decade tenure with NASCAR, which began in 2005 as vice president of corporate marketing. Over the years, he advanced within the company, becoming chairman in 2018 and later commissioner in March 2025, a role he held for less than a year.
Fan Take: Steve Phelps’ departure is a pivotal moment for NASCAR, as it comes amid controversy and management shifts. For fans, this change could signal a fresh start and an opportunity for NASCAR to rebuild trust and refocus on the integrity and passion that define the sport.
