Nascar elevates Steve Phelps to Commissioner, Steve O’Donnell to President

Steve Phelps was promoted to the newly created position of the NASCAR commissioner and Steve O’Donnell will take over Phelps’ former NASCAR president, the sanction body announced Monday morning.

“We are excited to name Steve Phelps as the first commissioner of Nascar. His leadership, professionalism and well -deserved respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,” Nascar chairman Jim France said in a statement. “With over 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a dedication to the daring racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years.”

While Denny Hamlin celebrated his first win of the season, others don’t have as much to rejoice in Martinsville.

Phelps, who has been president since 2018, will oversee Nascar, IMSA and all 15 traces owned by the NASCAR. His specific focus will be on strategic growth and international expansion.

“I am delighted to take the next step to lead Nascar, the sport I loved since my father to lead me after my first race in five years old, keep growing and welcoming new fans, participants and partners who create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports,” Phelps said in a statement.

‘I can’t thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their steady leadership, and most importantly, their stewardship of stock cars since the inception of nearly eight decades ago. This sport is truly one of the major American business stories and I am privileged to continue as part of the legacy – and especially the bright future. ‘

It was an emotional victory for Denny Hamlin, who ended a 10-year-old winless drought on his home state.

O’Donnell, who was chief operating officer, becomes the sixth president of the Nascar. He will oversee the daily management of the sport, including all activities, competition and commercial affairs.

“In my thirty years in Nascar, I was most inspired by the passion of racing fans on tracks across the country. It was a privilege to help our sport bring our sport by incredible new local and innovative content that shows the best races in our history of our deepening,” O’Donnell said.

‘I believe we are the best in the world to create’ Bucket List ‘meetings that merge sports and entertainment with decline, camping and the most exciting fan experience in sports. I am honored to continue the mission and build on collaboration and innovation with our teams and partners to deliver the best races everywhere to sports lovers. ‘