NASCAR Photo for Headline Surfer / Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell, shown here from left to right, have both been promoted to top NASCAR executive posts for the racing giant.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR on Monday announced the appointment of Steve Phelps as Commissioner of NASCAR, the first to be named to this newly created role overseeing all aspects of America’s top motorsport, including the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks.
Additionally, Steve O’Donnell, long-time industry leader and current chief operating officer, will succeed Phelps in the critical role of NASCAR President with day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR National Series and all NASCAR commercial, media, and track operations, as well as its four international series and multiple local and grassroots properties.
Both roles are effective immediately and will be based here in Daytona Beach, Florida.
“We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first Commissioner. His leadership, professionalism, and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,” said Jim France, NASCAR's chairman & CEO.
France added: “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.”
Both roles are effective immediately and will be based here in Daytona Beach, Florida.
“We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first Commissioner. His leadership, professionalism, and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,” said Jim France, NASCAR's chairman & CEO.
France added: “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.”
Currently, in his 20th season in NASCAR, Phelps will lead all functions of the sport, with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion. He will also continue to work directly with NASCAR owners Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy.
Commissioner Phelps will work across the NASCAR ecosystem to provide value to all stakeholders while increasing global fan engagement. Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 and has served as the fifth president in the sport’s 77-year history since accepting the position in 2018.
“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 5 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," Phelps continued, adding, " 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.”
As only NASCAR’s sixth President, Steve O’Donnell will take over everyday management of the sport with a focus on continuing to deliver historically exciting racing, exceptional partnership value, and a world-class fan experience at every NASCAR national series event throughout the season.
Leveraging more than thirty years of experience at NASCAR, where he has held many roles throughout the company, from Marketing to Competition, O’Donnell’s scope will be expanded to include all 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. 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,” O’Donnell said. “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.
O’Donnell said he's honored to continue that mission and build upon the collaboration and innovation with NASCAR's teams and partners to "deliver the best racing to sports fans everywhere.”
About the Headline Surfer Byline Writer: Henry Frederick is an award-winning journalist who launched Headline Surfer in 2008, which serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando via