Phelps Appointed as NASCAR's First Commissioner

NASCAR has announced the appointment of Steve Phelps as its first-ever Commissioner, a newly created role that oversees all aspects of the organization, including the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks. Phelps, who has been with NASCAR since 2005 and its president since 2018, will focus on strategic growth and international expansion, with potential races in Brazil and Canada. This move aims to align NASCAR more closely with other major sports leagues that have a commissioner role. Steve O’Donnell, formerly the Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Phelps as president, focusing on day-to-day operations. The changes have been met with mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing skepticism about the leadership's decisions and vision for the sport's future. Despite the backlash, NASCAR's leadership, including Chairman Jim France, remains committed to advancing the sport both domestically and internationally.