NASCAR’s first-ever commissioner, Steve Phelps, has resigned after two decades with the organization, he announced in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Stock racing’s top series said hiring a new commissioner is not in its plans, and Phelps’ duties will be handed down to other NASCAR executives.
Phelps, who started at NASCAR in 2005 as a vice president of corporate marketing, will leave the company at the end of the month.
‘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 in a statement. ‘Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners and the commitment of our wonderful employees.’
Phelps’s departure comes weeks after a federal antitrust lawsuit by 23XI Racing, co-owned by Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Front Row Motorsports, against NASCAR.
During the lawsuit, it was revealed in the discovery process that Phelps had called team owner Richard Childress a ‘stupid redneck’ who ‘needs to be taken out back and flogged’ during a 2023 text exchange with NASCAR executive Brian Herbst. Phelps also called Childress as a ‘total ass-clown.’
Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris then wrote a letter to NASCAR and the France family, who own the company, demanding that Phelps step down.
‘We can’t help but wonder what would happen if Major League Baseball brought in a new commissioner and he or she trash talked one of the true legends who built the game like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth?’ Morris wrote. ‘Such blatant disrespect would probably not sit well with the fans – such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!’
The day after Morris’ letter was revealed, NASCAR settled the lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, following a week of testimony.