“Periods of Significant Change!” Hendrick Motorsports Responds to Steve Phelps’ Unexpected Resignation

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps has decided to resign, and Hendrick Motorsports shared their thoughts about it.

“Periods of Significant Change!” Hendrick Motorsports Responds to Steve Phelps’ Unexpected Resignation

Rick Hendrick and Steve Phelps (Via IMAGO)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

The whole NASCAR community was in shock, when it was announced that the commissioner of the sport, Steve Phelps has decided to resign. He is set to leave the sport he has been leading for the last two decade, while his responsibilities will be shared between the remaining senior officials of the sport.

Steve Phelps has been one of the Pillers of NASCAR, as the series went through one of the most chaotic periods of its history, with controversies, car changes and lawsuits. The most successful team in the garage, Hendrick Motorsports shared a statement appreciating the veteran for his contributions over the years.  

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 next chapter.

Hendrick Motorsports via a statement.

NASCAR hasn’t revealed the reason for the exit, but it assumed to be the drama over the 23XI Racing/FRM charter lawsuit. Chats revealed during discovery exposed Phelps’ blatant disrespect towards Hall of Fame owner Richard Childress calling him a ‘dumb redneck.’ This alongside other controversies during the trail might have played a part of the France family taking back the power.

Steve Phelps shares an emotional statement announcing resignation  

In a statement shared to the community announcing his resignation, Steve Phelps pointed out that he has immense pride over serving the sport he lives as its first ever commissioner. He is also thankful to every experienced he had in his two years in NASCAR.

Steve Phelps
Steve Phelps (Via IMAGO)

As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR’s first Commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities and firsts over my 20 years.

Steve Phelps via a statement.

In the same statement, Phelps confirmed that he isn’t retiring from sports management and is looking to explore opportunities in other industries. He called the opportunity the France family gave him life changing and asserted that he is thankful to the series owners for giving him an opportunity to be part of the sports’ history.

As I embark on new pursuits in sports and other industries, I want to thank the many colleagues, friends, and especially the fans that have played such an important and motivational role in my career. Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history.

Steve Phelps asserted.

The comments from the soon to be ex-NASCAR senior official seems rational and part of the big change that is coming to the sport following the charter lawsuit settlement. It’s better for the France family to have direct control over proceedings during the transition period and it might be time to give more power to Ben Kennedy, who is expected to be the successor of Jim France.

Also Read: Carson Hocevar Signs Contract Extension With $2.2 Billion Worth Sponsor