NASCAR PHOTO
No Successor to be Named, No Additional Leadership Changes Announced
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2026) – NASCAR today announced that Steve
Phelps has made the personal decision to step away from the company and
his role as Commissioner of America’s top motorsport. Phelps, who joined
NASCAR in 2005, will transition out of the company by the end of the
month leaving a legacy of leadership and a strategic vision that
delivered significant growth and lasting innovation, championed equity
and social justice initiatives, and created industry-wide opportunities
for all stakeholders.
“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
Steve Phelps. “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.”
Under Phelps’s leadership, the sport has transformed its annual schedule
with extraordinary new events and ‘bucket list’ fan experiences,
reshaped its strategic vision, expanded its international footprint,
secured long-term media rights and charter agreements, and assembled a
world-class leadership team focused on building the future of stock car
racing with fan experience at its core. Among his most important
priorities has been welcoming all fans into NASCAR. His other
achievements include the integration of NASCAR’s landmark merger with
ISC, launching the record-setting Next Gen race car in 2022 – only the
7th new vehicle in the sport’s history, and many other accomplishments
that position the sport for continued success.
“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful
leaders,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO, Jim France. “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.”
“Over his two decades at NASCAR, Steve has balanced strong leadership
and a consistent pursuit of excellence with a sincere commitment to our
fans,” said NASCAR Executive Vice Chair, Lesa France Kennedy. “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 announced any additional leadership or personnel changes
as Phelps’s departure comes during a time of stability with an
exceptional leadership team in place that ensures the continuity of
NASCAR’s strategic vision and critical execution. 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.
About Steve Phelps
Steve Phelps was appointed Commissioner of the National Association for
Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), North America’s leading motorsport, in
March 2025. As the first to hold this position, he was responsible for
oversight of all NASCAR operations, as well as the International
Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated
racetracks.
Under his leadership, NASCAR transformed its business with a focus on
delivering the best racing in the world, providing outstanding
entertainment experiences, and building a global community of fans.
Phelps also delivered landmark broadcast rights agreements with FOX,
NBC, Amazon’s Prime Video, TNT Sports and The CW that began with the
2025 season.
In 2019, Phelps led NASCAR’s historic merger with International Speedway
Corporation (ISC), integrating its operations into one unified company.
The following year, he guided NASCAR through its most challenging and
unprecedented season when NASCAR swiftly implemented COVID-19 safety
protocols to become the first sport to return to competition, the first
to safely welcome fans, and first to complete a full-season. NASCAR also
introduced sweeping changes across the sport – efforts that led to a
surge of new fans, partners and race team ownership. In recognition of
that success, NASCAR earned Sports Business Journal’s coveted ‘League of
the Year’ award in 2021.
In December of 2025, Phelps was honored with the March of Dimes
Corporate Leadership Award and recognized by Sports Business Journal
among the Influence 125, which highlights the most influential sports
business figures of the past quarter-century. Phelps joined NASCAR as
Vice President of Corporate Marketing in 2005 and was named Chief
Marketing Officer the next year. He was promoted to Chief Operating
Officer in April 2018 before transitioning to becoming the sport’s fifth
President in September 2018.