By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR President Steve Phelps will assume an elevated role within the organization with his appointment as the first-ever Commissioner of NASCAR, the sanctioning body announced Monday.
Current Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell will succeed Phelps as the sixth NASCAR President, with day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR national series and all commercial, media and track operations, as well as NASCAR’s four international series and multiple local and grassroots properties.
Both roles are effective immediately and will be based in Daytona Beach, Fla.
In his newly created role, Phelps will oversee all aspects of America’s leading motorsport, including the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks.
“We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first Commissioner,” said NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France. “His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport.
“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.”
In his 20th year with the sanctioning body, Phelps has served as President since 2018 and has shepherded the organization through dramatic changes in the schedules, race cars and officiating of all three of NASCAR’s national series.
“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. 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.”
Phelps will lead all functions of the sport, with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion, while continuing to work with NASCAR owners Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy.
O’Donnell will take over everyday management of the sport, with the scope of his responsibilities expanded to include 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,” O’Donnell said. “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.
“I believe we’re the best in the world at creating ‘Bucket List’ events that merge sports and entertainment with tailgating, camping and the most immersive fan experience in sports. I’m honored to continue that mission and build upon the collaboration and innovation with our teams and partners to deliver the best racing to sports fans everywhere.”
