NASCAR promotes Steve Phelps from President to newly-created Commissioner position

NASCAR is making a huge change to their organizational structure. They’ve promoted Steve Phelps from President to the newly created position of Commissioner, making him the first person in history to hold that title, according to Adam Stern of the Sports-Business Journal.

Additionally, Steve O’Donnell has been promoted from COO to the President of NASCAR. As the sport looks to continue transforming their footprint now and in the future, they’re hoping Phelps and O’Donnell will lead the way, it seems.

NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France released a statement on the decision via a press release: “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 France.

“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.”

Per NASCAR, Phelps “will lead all functions of the sport with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion while continuing to work directly with NASCAR owners, Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy.

“Commissioner Phelps will work across the NASCAR ecosystem to provide value to all stakeholders while increasing global fan engagement. 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.”

Of course, the decision is a tremendous honor for Phelps. He’s hoping to lead NASCAR into an elevated, prosperous era as the sport’s first commissioner.

“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 5 years old, continue to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners that together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports,” Phelps added.

“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. This sport is truly one of the great American business stories and I’m privileged to continue as part of that legacy – and especially its bright future.”

Time will tell how NASCAR changes with Steve Phelps as the sport’s commissioner. One thing is for sure, it’s a huge day for the sport as a whole, and there could be some more changes coming in the near future following this massive shift.