Jeff Gordon Admits It “Will Be Hard for NASCAR to Replace” Steve Phelps

The NASCAR community was surmised when it was announced that commissioner Steve Phelps has given his resignation and will exit the sport at the end of January.  According to reports, charter lawsuit chat leaks that exposes his insulting comments about Richard Childress is the primary reason for the decision.

The racing community is split over the decision, as other than few genuine mistakes, Steve Phelps has been one of the most valuable members of NASCAR for years. Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon understand this as in an interview he highlighted pragmatic approach under his leadership that made the sport better.   

Steve brought a very pragmatic, steady approach. He listened to the sport’s stakeholders, wasn’t afraid to ask hard questions and genuinely wanted to make NASCAR better at every level. His leadership during COVID was a defining example — navigating unprecedented uncertainty and helping the sport move forward at a historic moment in time.

Jeff Gordon via SBJ.

Phelps earned a lot of respect for his leadership during the uncertain Covid-19 era and according to Gordon, the thing that helps the senior NASCAR official unique was his communication ability. It’s going to be hard to replace someone that has been one of the significant points of contact for broadcasters, OEMs, teams and sponsors.

Steve has a unique ability to move comfortably between different groups, from broadcast partners, OEMs and competitors to tracks, sponsors and members of the media. That will be hard to replace…At the same time, this marks a necessary transition point.

Jeff Gordon added.

The comments from the four times champion shows how important Phelps have been in NASCAR’s growth in the modern era. Gordon believes the foundation the officials and build alongside the decision he has made over the years for the sport will have lasting positive impact on NASCAR for many years.

Steve helped position NASCAR for its next chapter, and now it’s on the leaders across the industry to step up, build on that foundation and keep the sport moving forward. He pushed NASCAR to take smart risks and be more welcoming to new and existing fans, and I believe that will have a lasting influence.

Jeff Gordon asserted.

Brad Keselowski gives a clear verdict on Steve Phelps’ exit

Another senior NASCAR figure to share his thoughts on the Steve Phelps’ exit is the 2012 Cup champion Brad Keselowski. The RFK Racing owner driver asserted that the sport is going miss Phelps and highlighted the strong personal relationship he shared with him. The veteran appreciates all the contributions made by the latter over the years and asserted that he is sad the veteran had to resign from the leadership position of the sport he loves.

Steve has been a big part of a number of key initiatives for sport for the last dozen plus years, as I recall. I’ve enjoyed a great personal relationship with him. The sport’s going to miss him. Like anybody in that position, you’re not going to bat 100 percent, and I think there’s been some wins and losses. But as a whole, I appreciate what he’s brought to our sport. And I’m kind of sad to see him go, but life has its changes.

Brad Keselowski told Bob Pockrass.

The comments from the two former champion shows how much the whole racing community respected Steve Phelps, despite the controversies. In the two-decade leading the sport, he had an overall positive impact. Now it’s the responsibility of Jim France and Ben Kennedy to lead the sport to a better future.

Also Read: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Exposes Why He Stayed Quiet During NASCAR’s Biggest Lawsuit

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW