NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Resigns Following Disclosure of Derogatory Texts

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps has announced his resignation after 20 years with the sport, stepping aside amid fallout from an antitrust lawsuit that exposed controversial internal communications involving team ownership.

Phelps disclosed his decision to resign on Jan. 6, 2026, describing the move as personal. His departure follows the conclusion of a legal dispute between Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing that challenged NASCAR’s charter system, a foundational structure governing team participation and revenue.

During court proceedings more than a month earlier, private text messages exchanged between Phelps and other NASCAR leaders were entered into the record. Among them were messages in which Phelps sharply criticized Richard Childress, the longtime owner of Richard Childress Racing. The remarks were tied to Childress’ objections to the charter agreement introduced in 2024, which he ultimately signed despite voicing concerns.

The tone and content of those messages quickly drew scrutiny once made public. The situation escalated when Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and a major sponsor of RCR’s Chevrolet-backed Cup Series efforts, formally called for Phelps’ removal from his leadership role. Morris has long supported the team’s Chevy Camaro ZL1 program, giving his response added weight within the industry.

Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 and later became its first commissioner, overseeing the sport through significant competitive, commercial and structural changes. His tenure included navigating shifting manufacturer relationships, evolving team economics and the introduction of the charter system that later became the subject of legal challenge.

NASCAR confirmed that Phelps will officially leave his position at the end of January. The organization has not yet announced whether it plans to appoint a successor or reevaluate the commissioner role altogether.

The resignation closes a turbulent chapter for the sanctioning body, which now faces renewed questions about governance, transparency and its relationship with team owners moving forward.