Hendrick Motorsports‘ tribute to outgoing NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps has sparked outrage among fans, creating turbulence just as Phelps stepped down after 21 years. The Hendrick Motorsports Phelps tribute reaction, intended as a respectful sendoff, ignited sharp criticism from the NASCAR community, who felt the gesture missed the mark given recent controversies.
Hendrick’s Farewell to Steve Phelps Draws Criticism
Steve Phelps announced his resignation as NASCAR commissioner on Tuesday, marking the end of a two-decade run that included some of the sport’s most challenging moments. Despite mixed public perception, Hendrick Motorsports, known for its 15 Cup Series championships, offered a public sendoff. On social media, the team stated,
“We thank Steve Phelps for his leadership and dedication to NASCAR over the past two decades,”
– Hendrick Motorsports, 15-time Cup Series champions.
They followed up with another message recognizing Phelps’ contributions:
“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, 15-time Cup Series champions.
Fan Outrage over Timing and Tone of Tribute
The fan backlash erupted not only due to the positive tone but also because of the timing of the tribute. Phelps’ departure closely followed NASCAR’s heated antitrust court battle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which saw damaging text messages from Phelps about Richard Childress leak into the public spotlight. The controversy further deepened skepticism about Phelps’ legacy and divided fans and the organization.
Some fans did not hold back their opinions. One critical voice on social media dismissed the tribute outright:
“Oh please. Not one person is thankful for a single moment of Phelps tenure and you’re just annoying everyone at this point. Let it go and take the L.”
– Unattributed fan comment
Another fan expressed intense anger toward Phelps:
“This prick hates race fans and despised the way NASCAR was headed pre 2010. Fvck that clown and the rock he crawled from.”
– Unattributed fan comment
Many pointed to past decisions Phelps made concerning high-profile drivers. A fan wrote,
“He literally screwed over so many other deserving drivers. He screwed over Jeff Gordon, and William Byron. Thank the good Lord he’s out.”
– Unattributed fan comment
Backlash Expands to Hendrick Motorsports
The reaction did not focus solely on Phelps. It quickly spread to Hendrick Motorsports itself, with fans accusing the powerhouse team of ignoring the real sentiments within the NASCAR community. One user announced their new team allegiance:
“I use to like you guys. Then I woke up. Team 23/11 now! They had the balls to stand up and now they might start taking wins from you guys more often.”
– Unattributed fan comment
Criticism of Hendrick’s communications strategy mounted, as seen in another direct call-out:
“Wow Hendrick fire your social media team, this was a miss.”
– Unattributed fan comment
Phelps’ Achievements and Legacy Under Fire
Even though Phelps helped navigate NASCAR’s comeback during the COVID-19 pandemic and orchestrated a $7.7 billion media rights deal set to begin in 2025, his accomplishments have been overshadowed by recent scandals. The antitrust trial, a playoffs controversy, and calls for his ouster by public figures like Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris left a sour aftertaste surrounding his exit.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Phelps tribute reaction clearly demonstrates the chasm between NASCAR’s corporate world and its fan base. While the organization sought to honor a long-serving commissioner, fans saw the gesture as tone-deaf, marking Phelps’ departure as both overdue and remarkably contentious. The event leaves NASCAR and its teams facing ongoing scrutiny regarding leadership, communication, and connection with the ever-vocal racing community.
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
Oh please. Not one person is thankful for a single moment of Phelps tenure and you're just annoying everyone at this point. Let it go and take the L.
— Magnolia (@MagnoliaJLR) January 7, 2026
This prick hates race fans and despised the way NASCAR was headed pre 2010. Fvck that clown and the rock he crawled from.
— JohnQ (@quincyduckworth) January 6, 2026
… He literally screwed over so many other deserving drivers. He screwed over Jeff Gordon, and William Byron. Thank the good Lord he's out.
— Real_AJGroundHog (@ajgroundho40014) January 6, 2026
I use to like you guys. Then I woke up. Team 23/11 now! They had the balls to stand up and now they might start taking wins from you guys more often.
— Jeff Wieland (@RealWieland) January 6, 2026
