Over the past year NASCAR has seen a number of changes. Perhaps the biggest change will happen by the end of the month – just before the start of the 2026 season – when Commissioner Steve Phelps resigns his post and walks away from NASCAR.
Since taking over in 2005, Phelps has grown the sport, fought for equality and social justice in the sport, and brought growth to the sport.
Phelps spoke on his time in NASCAR saying, “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. 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, such as media partners, auto manufacturers, track operators and incredible racing talent. As I embark on new pursuits in sports and other industries, I want to thank the many colleagues, friends and especially the fans that have played such an important and motivational role in my career. 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.”
Over the past 20 years, Steve Phelps has brought new events to NASCAR including a “bucket list” of fan experiences, expanded the sport into the international realm, secured media rights contracts, a merger with ISC, and launched the Next Gen car.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France spoke on Steve Phelps saying, “Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders. 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. It’s been an honor to work alongside him in achieving the impossible, like being the first sport to return during Covid, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races in the LA Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset.”
NASCAR Executive Vice Chair Lesa France Kennedy added, “over his two decades at NASCAR, Steve has balanced strong leadership and a consistent pursuit of excellence with a sincere commitment to our fans. He has helped to bring fans some of the best, most unforgettable moments in our history, and most importantly, he’s laid an incredible foundation for continued growth and success for the entire sport. A true consensus builder and passionate advocate, we thank Steve for bringing his intelligence, integrity and love of racing to this sport each and every day. While his career may take him elsewhere, he’ll always have a place in our NASCAR family.”
NASCAR has not named a successor for Phelps; adding that there are no immediate plans to replace the Commissioner role or to seek outside leadership, as the administration of his responsibilities will be delegated internally through NASCAR’s President and executive leadership team.