CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps announced Tuesday that he will resign at the end of the month, ending more than 20 years with the series. His departure follows a contentious federal trial in which inflammatory texts he sent during revenue-sharing negotiations were made public.
Phelps, NASCAR’s first commissioner since being named to the role last season, had also been considered for a position with the PGA Tour. The texts, revealed during an antitrust trial brought by two racing teams against NASCAR, included one in which he referred to Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress as “a stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.” The messages sparked outrage from Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and a longtime supporter of NASCAR and Childress Racing, who called for Phelps’ removal. NASCAR subsequently settled the lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports shortly after Morris’ letter.
In a statement, Phelps reflected on his career with 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.” He expressed gratitude to colleagues, fans, and the France family, who hired him from the NFL two decades ago and elevated him to the commissioner role. Phelps added that he plans to pursue new opportunities in sports and other industries.
NASCAR praised Phelps for transforming its schedule with new events, creating unique fan experiences, expanding the sport internationally, securing long-term media rights and charter agreements, and building a leadership team focused on the future of stock car racing. Chairman and CEO Jim France called him “one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” noting his role in guiding the sport through the COVID-19 shutdown and staging races in unique venues like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Chicago streets. Executive Vice Chair Lesa France Kennedy said Phelps will always have a place in the NASCAR family.
No immediate plans have been announced to replace Phelps. His responsibilities will be handled internally by NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell and the executive leadership team.
The controversy stemmed from Phelps’ frustration during revenue-sharing discussions with the France family and NASCAR’s board over charter permanence. Though he initially advocated for greater concessions for teams, the protracted negotiations led to pointed communications, particularly regarding Childress. Phelps apologized to Childress in court, stating his messages were venting out of frustration, but the apology did not satisfy Morris, who compared the situation to a commissioner publicly insulting legends in Major League Baseball.
