NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps resigned Tuesday, ending a 20-year tenure with the race series. The move came one month after a settlement in the high-profile trial between NASCAR and Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing that painted Phelps in a negative light.
“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,” Phelps said in a statement. “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.”
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Phelps will transition away from the company by the end of the month, and NASCAR has no immediate plans to replace him. His responsibilities will be delegated to the existing leadership team, according to the company.
Phelps’ reputation took a hit during the discovery process in the antitrust trial, where Front Row and Michael Jordan-owned 23XI challenged NASCAR’s charter system. In August 2023, Phelps sent text messages to NASCAR chief media and revenue officer Brian Herbst that called team owner Richard Childress a “stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.” Childress should be “taken out back and flogged,” according to the texts.
After a week-plus of the trial, the parties settled in a move that returned Front Row and 23XI’s charters for the 2026 season. “The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans,” the parties said in a joint statement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential.
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Phelps worked at the NFL and Wasserman Media Group before he joined NASCAR in 2005 as vice president of corporate marketing and was promoted to CMO the following year. In 2018, he was named COO, and by the end of the year, he was named the company’s fifth president, succeeding Brent Dewar.
In March, NASCAR owners Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy promoted Phelps to the newly created position of commissioner.
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