© Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn
For the first time in its illustrious 77-year history, NASCAR has a commissioner. In a move that many considered a stunning first, NASCAR owners Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy promoted former President Steve Phelps to the position of commissioner on Monday morning. In doing so, controversial current Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell steps into Phelps’ role of NASCAR President.
“We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first Commissioner. His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,” Jim France said in a press release. “With more than 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a commitment to the bold racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years to come.”
O’Donnell, meanwhile, is far from a fan favorite. The longtime series executive drew heat over the offseason after he revealed that NASCAR has used AI modeling to help determine its playoff format. O’Donnell was also the target of ire from fans amid talks that NASCAR could hold a future race in Saudi Arabia.
Phelps is far from fans’ favorite, either. Many associate him with the unpopular current charter system, which is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit involving team owners – including Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
“This will go over well I’m sure… Keeping bad decision makers around longer and promoting them is brilliant and won’t backfire at all,” one fan said of the move.
“This is a tragedy for NASCAR! The current leadership needs to change! Not get promotions for incompetent work,” said another.
Both Phelps and O’Donnell will assume their new roles immediately.