NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has stepped away from the organization, NASCAR officials announced. Phelps, who joined NASCAR in 2005, will transition out of the company by the end of the month.

Phelps was appointed to the newly created position of NASCAR commissioner in March 2025. In the role, Phelps was responsible for oversight of all NASCAR operations, as well as the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated racetracks. Prior to being named commissioner, Phelps served as NASCAR president between 2018 and 2025.

NASCAR has not announced any additional leadership or personnel changes as Phelps's departure, the organization said. There 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.

"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," said Phelps. "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."

Under Phelps's leadership, the sport has transformed its annual schedule with new events, reshaped its strategic vision, expanded its international footprint, secured long-term media rights and charter agreements, and assembled a leadership team, NASCAR said. During his tenure, Phelps oversaw NASCAR's merger with ISC, the launch of the Next Gen race car in 2022 – only the seventh new vehicle in the sport's history, and more. 

"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."

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Image Courtesy of NASCAR--Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images