Hendrick Motorsports responded on Tuesday to the news of Steve Phelps resigning as NASCAR commissioner, a move that signals a pivotal shift for the league just ahead of the 2026 season. The Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR statement emphasized respect for Phelps’ tenure and his influence during significant transitional periods for the sport.
Hendrick Motorsports Reacts to Leadership Change
Steve Phelps, after more than two decades with NASCAR, stepped down from his commissioner role. In a message shared on social media, Hendrick Motorsports, which stands among NASCAR’s most established teams, directly addressed Phelps’ impact and offered well wishes.
“We thank Steve Phelps for his leadership and dedication to NASCAR over the past two decades,”
the statement read.
“He helped our sport navigate opportunities, challenges and periods of significant change while positioning it for the future. We appreciate his service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
— Hendrick Motorsports Statement
Reactions across the sport suggest Phelps’ exit is not only influential for NASCAR’s management, but also for major teams, sponsors, and figures who have shaped the competitive landscape for years. Hendrick Motorsports’ statement reflects widespread recognition of his efforts during complex moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, broadcast negotiations, and evolving car specifications.
Context Behind Phelps’ Departure
The resignation comes closely after legal turmoil for NASCAR. Just a month before, the league was entangled in an antitrust lawsuit with Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, who accused NASCAR and its CEO Jim France of monopolistic conduct. During the lawsuit’s discovery, communications involving Phelps—including text messages and emails—surfaced, raising doubts about his leadership. Notably, an exchange with NASCAR chief media and revenue officer Brian Herbst revealed Phelps making disparaging remarks about longtime team owner Richard Childress. Phelps expressed remorse during trial testimony and stated he had already apologized to Childress before the messages became public.
Amid the dispute, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris, a major series sponsor, publicly called for Phelps to resign. The litigation concluded with a settlement just after Morris’ open letter, ending eight days of courtroom proceedings and heightening scrutiny of NASCAR’s governance.
Phelps’ History and Contributions to NASCAR
Steve Phelps began his career with NASCAR in 2005 as the vice president of corporate marketing, later advancing to chief operating officer in 2018 and becoming president that same year. In 2025, he became the league’s first commissioner, overseeing several pivotal moments in modern racing history.
Among his notable achievements, Phelps orchestrated NASCAR’s quick return to competition during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully completing a 38-race season. He also secured the 2025-2031 media rights agreement, valued at $7.7 billion, positioning the league for financial stability and expanded broadcasting opportunities.
Reflecting on his legacy, Jim France, NASCAR CEO, stated,
“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,”
France said.
“For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history.”
“It’s been an honor to work alongside him in achieving the impossible, like being the first sport to return during COVID, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset.”
— Jim France, NASCAR CEO
Looking Forward: What Phelps’ Exit Means for NASCAR
Phelps’ departure marks the end of an era defined by adaptability, negotiation, and unprecedented challenges, such as the pandemic and major broadcast shifts. NASCAR now faces the transition to new leadership with the 2026 season on the horizon. Industry insiders are attentive to how changes in top management may influence ongoing relationships with key teams like Hendrick Motorsports, major sponsors including Bass Pro Shops, and influential figures such as Richard Childress and Jim France. The league will also need to address lessons learned from recent legal disputes and continue building on Phelps’ legacy of collaboration, innovation, and growth across the sport’s expanding national footprint.
We thank Steve Phelps for his leadership and dedication to NASCAR over the past two decades. He helped our sport navigate opportunities, challenges and periods of significant change while positioning it for the future. We appreciate his service and wish him all the best in his… pic.twitter.com/uMdUJxHNwD
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) January 6, 2026
