Steve Phelps, NASCAR’s first commissioner and a longtime executive with the sport, will resign from his position at the end of January. Phelps’ resignation follows weeks of scrutiny tied to an antitrust lawsuit that exposed inflammatory private messages. His departure comes just ahead of the new racing season.
Phelps, 63, announced his decision Tuesday, ending a 20-year career at NASCAR that began in 2005 and culminated with his promotion to commissioner less than a year ago. He joined NASCAR as vice president of corporate marketing and rose through multiple executive roles, including chief operating officer and president, before being named commissioner in March.
In a statement, Phelps said, “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.” He added that NASCAR’s success was rooted in its people, noting, “Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees.” Looking ahead, Phelps said he plans to pursue new opportunities outside the organization and expressed gratitude to colleagues, fans and the France family, writing, “Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history.”
Phelps’ exit follows the resolution of a federal antitrust lawsuit brought by 23XI Racing—owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—and Front Row Motorsports. During the discovery process, text messages sent by Phelps during tense charter and revenue-sharing negotiations became public. In one exchange, he referred to legendary team owner Richard Childress as a “stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.” Phelps later apologized in court, saying the comments were made in frustration, but the remarks sparked widespread backlash within the sport. The controversy intensified after Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, a major NASCAR partner and longtime supporter of Childress’ team, called for Phelps’ removal. NASCAR settled the lawsuit in December, one day after Morris sent his letter.
NASCAR said Phelps made a personal decision to step away and emphasized that no immediate leadership shakeup is planned. His responsibilities will be distributed among senior executives, with President Steve O’Donnell and the existing leadership team overseeing operations. The organization said it does not intend to name a new commissioner at this time. Despite the circumstances of his departure, NASCAR leaders praised Phelps’ tenure. Chairman and CEO Jim France called him “one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” crediting him with modernizing the schedule, expanding the sport internationally, securing long-term media and charter agreements, and prioritizing fan-focused innovation. France also highlighted milestones under Phelps’ leadership, including NASCAR becoming the first major sport to return during the COVID-19 shutdown and launching marquee events at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and on the streets of Chicago.
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