NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon issues verdict on Steve Phelps' shock exit

Cup Series legend Jeff Gordon has offered his opinion on Steve Phelps' shock exit as NASCAR Commissioner.

Earlier this week, NASCAR confirmed that Phelps had made the personal decision to step away from his role. Now, Phelps, who first joined NASCAR in 2005, will transition out of the company by the end of the month and ahead of the 2026 season.

As part of their confirmation of the news, NASCAR also confirmed that no replacement for Phelps would be hired, with his responsibilities within the sport instead set to be delegated through NASCAR's President Steve O'Donnell and the executive leadership team.

Jeff Gordon on Steve Phelps' exit

It's fair to say that Phelps' abrupt exit has been met with a mixed reaction from the NASCAR community, with some delighted he is gone and others noting the good work that he did during his time in the sport.

Now, Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon has issued his verdict, which is a notable one given the tensions between Rick Hendrick and NASCAR's leadership during charter negotiations in 2024, as highlighted by the NASCAR-23XI antitrust trial.

“Steve brought a very pragmatic, steady approach. He listened to the sport’s stakeholders, wasn’t afraid to ask hard questions and genuinely wanted to make NASCAR better at every level,” Gordon told Sports Business Journal.

“His leadership during COVID was a defining example - navigating unprecedented uncertainty and helping the sport move forward at a historic moment in time.

"Steve has a unique ability to move comfortably between different groups, from broadcast partners, OEMs and competitors to tracks, sponsors and members of the media. That will be hard to replace.”

Phelps' exit a 'necessary' transition

On the other hand, Gordon continued, stating that it was a necessary transition point for the sport: “At the same time, this marks a necessary transition point.

"Steve helped position NASCAR for its next chapter, and now it’s on the leaders across the industry to step up, build on that foundation, and keep the sport moving forward.

"He pushed NASCAR to take smart risks and be more welcoming to new and existing fans, and I believe that will have a lasting influence.”