Is NASCAR’s New Commissioner Already on His Way Out?

What’s Happening?

According to a new report, NASCAR could continue to see shake-ups at the top of its organization. NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps is allegedly being targeted by another sports league for their CEO position, though his interest in the position is unknown.

Phelps took on the “new” role of Commissioner on Mar. 31, stepping away from his long-time role as president. However, according to a new report from Josh Carpenter and Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, the PGA Tour, as part of their lengthy search for a new CEO, is interested in the veteran sports executive.

According to this report, despite his recent role change, the PGA Tour considers Phelps “an active and attractive target.” However, there is no indication of reciprocal interest in the position on the part of Phelps. “His level of interest in the role could not be immediately established, and he thus could wind up staying at NASCAR for years to come.”

Steve Phelps, NASCAR’s New Commissioner

According to NASCAR, in Phelps’s new role as NASCAR Commissioner, he is in charge of “all functions of the sport with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion.” NASCAR has recently re-engaged in international expansion, with an Xfinity and Cup Series date in Mexico City and rumors of races in Montreal and Brazil.

During Phelps’s time as NASCAR President, the sport faced many hardships, with Phelps and his team overcoming most of them. Some innovations of the Phelps Presidency include the NASCAR Next Gen Car, the NASCAR Cup Series Premier Partner Program, and the reorganization of the NASCAR schedule model.

In his place, former NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell took on the role of NASCAR President. Phelps is not the first NASCAR Commissioner. However, prior to Phelps taking on the role of the “modern” Commissioner, that long-running title served as an honorary role rather than a position in the sport’s corporate structure.

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