NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Resigns Following Antitrust Suit and Controversial Texts
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NASCAR announced on Tuesday, January 6th, that Steve Phelps is stepping down as commissioner, effective by the end of the month, concluding a two-decade tenure at the helm of the premier racing series. The resignation follows a tumultuous period for the sport, marked by a federal antitrust lawsuit and the surfacing of damaging text messages that brought Phelps’s leadership into question.
A Tumultuous Exit
The controversy stemmed from a legal battle between NASCAR and teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. During the proceedings, text messages attributed to Phelps were revealed, containing disparaging remarks about Richard Childress, a Hall of Fame team owner. According to reports, Phelps referred to Childress as “a stupid redneck” and suggested he “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”
These revelations prompted a swift response from Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, a major NASCAR sponsor. Morris penned a letter demanding Phelps’s removal from the commissioner role. Bass Pro Shops’ support for NASCAR is significant, as they sponsor Austin Dillon, the grandson of Richard Childress, in the Cup Series. The following day, NASCAR reached a settlement with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Phelps Reflects on Two Decades of Leadership
In a statement released by NASCAR, Phelps expressed pride in his accomplishments during his 20 years with the organization. “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 said. He emphasized the importance of fan passion, team dedication, and the commitment of NASCAR employees.
Phelps highlighted his role in integrating new stakeholders, including media partners, auto manufacturers, and racing talent, into the NASCAR ecosystem. He expressed gratitude to the France family for their trust and acknowledged the life-changing experience of working within the sport.
From Marketing to Commissioner: A Career Trajectory
Phelps’s journey within NASCAR began in 2005 with his appointment as Vice President of Corporate Marketing. Within six months, he was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. In September 2018, he ascended to the role of President of NASCAR, overseeing the merger with the International Speedway Corporation.
As President, Phelps spearheaded the development of the Next Gen car in 2022 and successfully negotiated the sport’s new media rights deal in 2023. His promotion to Commissioner saw further expansion, including the acquisition of IMSA.
A Legacy of Growth and a Future Without a Commissioner
Lesa France Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice Chair, lauded Phelps’s leadership, stating, “Over his two decades at NASCAR, Steve has balanced strong leadership and a consistent pursuit of excellence with a sincere commitment to our fans.” She credited him with laying a foundation for continued growth and success, describing him as a “true consensus builder and passionate advocate.”
Notably, NASCAR has announced it currently has no plans to hire a replacement commissioner, signaling a potential shift in the organization’s leadership structure. The future direction of NASCAR remains to be seen as it navigates this transition period.
