Steve Phelps named commissioner of NASCAR, Steve O'Donnell elevated to president
03/31/2025 07:15 AM
In a high-profile move that will draw attention around sports, NASCAR owners Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy have promoted President Steve Phelps to the newly created position of commissioner, making him the first person in company history to hold that title.
In turn, the Frances are elevating Chief Operating Officer Steve O‘Donnell as Phelps‘ successor, making him only the sixth person to ever hold the title of president since NASCAR was founded in 1948. Jim France remains chairman and CEO, while Lesa France Kennedy remains executive vice chair and family scion Ben Kennedy remains an executive vice president.
The promotions are both backward and forward looking. They are meant to reflect the advance and growth that‘s happened on Phelps‘ watch since he took over as president in late 2018, and they are aimed at helping Phelps and O‘Donnell unlock new value for NASCAR.
…
For Phelps, the move will allow him to take a more big-picture role at NASCAR and optically be on a more level playing field with stick-and-ball leaders like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. The move also allows O‘Donnell to run day-to-day operations, something he had already been preparing for over the last year by taking on an increasing number of direct reports who had reported to Phelps.
…
Phelps, 62, will focus on strategy and international expansion of NASCAR, and oversee the IMSA sports car property that NASCAR owns and all 15 of the race tracks it owns. Phelps will remain on NASCAR‘s board of directors.
