NASCAR Appoints Steve Phelps as Inaugural Commissioner

NASCAR has named Steve Phelps as commissioner, a new role which will oversee all aspects of NASCAR, including the International Motorsports Association and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks.

Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell will succeed Phelps as NASCAR president, including day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR National Series and all commercial, media and track operations.

“We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first commissioner. His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,” said Jim France, NASCAR chairman and chief executive officer. “With more than 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a commitment to the bold racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years to come.”

Currently in his 20th season in NASCAR, Phelps will lead all functions of the sport with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion. Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 and has served as the fifth president in the sport’s 77-year history since taking the position in 2018.

“I’m honored to take this next step in helping to guide NASCAR, the sport I’ve loved since my father took me to my first race at five years old, continue to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners that together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports,” Phelps said. “I cannot thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their steady leadership, and most importantly, their stewardship of stock car racing since its inception nearly eight decades ago.”

O’Donnell will take over everyday management of the sport with a focus on the racing product, partnership value and fan experience at every NASCAR national series event. O’Donnell has three decades of experience at NASCAR, including roles in marketing and competition. His scope will be expanded to include all operations, competition and commercial business for the sanctioning body.

“In my 30 years in NASCAR, I’ve been most inspired by the passion of race fans at tracks across the country. It has been a privilege to help bring our sport to those fans through incredible new venues and innovative engaging content that showcase the best racing in our storied history,” said O’Donnell.