NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps is OUT as shock exit confirmed

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has resigned from his role less than one month after the conclusion of that high-profile court battle in Charlotte.

The 63-year-old executive is out after his decision to exit the sport was announced early on Tuesday.

The news comes just 26 days after NASCAR settled its acrimonious legal battle vs Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team and Front Row Motorsports.

Phelps became one of the big narratives during the case, particularly when text comments he made about team owner Richard Childress became public.

Phelps' pay also became a big topic of conversation after it was also revealed that he earned a base salary of $2.5m at NASCAR with a further potential $2.5m in incentives.

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NASCAR announces Phelps exit

Announcing his departure, NASCAR said in a statement: "NASCAR today announced that Steve Phelps has made the personal decision to step away from the company and his role as Commissioner of America’s top motorsport. Phelps, who joined NASCAR in 2005, will transition out of the company by the end of the month leaving a legacy of leadership and a strategic vision that delivered significant growth and lasting innovation, championed equity and social justice initiatives and created industry-wide opportunities for all stakeholders.

Steve Phelps on his decision to leave NASCAR

Phelps himself said: “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.

“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. As I embark on new pursuits in sports and other industries, I want to thank the many colleagues, friends and especially the fans that have played such an important and motivational role in my career. Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history.”

Jim France on Steve Phelps resignation

“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO, Jim France. “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. It’s been an honor to work alongside him in achieving the impossible like being the first sport to return during Covid, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races in the LA Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset.”

NASCAR says it has are no immediate plans to replace the Commissioner role or to seek outside leadership as the administration of his responsibilities will be delegated internally through NASCAR’s President and executive leadership team.