A PYMNTS Company

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps to Step Down Following Antitrust Lawsuit Fallout

By  |  January 6, 2026

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps announced Tuesday that he will resign from his position at the end of January, bringing a close to a two-decade career with the racing organization. His departure follows recent scrutiny tied to an antitrust lawsuit involving several race teams, according to a statement from the league.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Phelps, 63, has been with NASCAR since 2005, when he joined as vice president of corporate marketing. Over the years, he rose through the organization, holding roles that included chief marketing officer, senior vice president, executive vice president, chief operating officer and president. He was elevated to the newly created role of commissioner in March, per a statement released Tuesday.

    In a news release, Phelps reflected on his tenure and the milestone of serving as the sport’s first commissioner. “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,” Phelps said. “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.”

    Phelps’ exit comes amid fallout from a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing, the latter co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. According to court filings made public during the discovery process, messages sent by Phelps during revenue-sharing negotiations included disparaging remarks about figures within the sport. One message referenced NASCAR legend and team owner Richard Childress in offensive terms. Phelps later apologized to Childress during the proceedings, but the disclosures sparked criticism across the racing community, according to statements made during the case.

    Related: Judge Pushes for Faster Pace in NASCAR Antitrust Trial

    NASCAR and the teams involved reached a settlement in December, ending the legal dispute. The organization said no additional leadership or personnel changes were announced alongside Phelps’ resignation and described the transition as occurring “during a time of stability with an exceptional leadership team in place,” according to a statement from the league.

    NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France praised Phelps’ impact on the sport despite the controversy. “Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” France said. “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.”

    Phelps is expected to remain in his role through the end of January, after which NASCAR has not yet detailed its plans for leadership succession.

    Source: UPI