NASCAR Appoints First-Ever Commissioner

Previously President of the NASCAR, Steve Phelps is moving into a new position, overseeing all aspects of the National Stock Car Association. This position also includes overseeing theIMSA, which NASCAR owns, as well as the fifteen circuits owned by the American championship. Steve O'Donnell, who was previously director of operations, becomes president of NASCAR.

Phelps, who joined the association in 2005 and became its president in 2018, will have strategic growth and international expansion goals. He will work with NASCAR owners Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy to achieve this. “I am honored to take this next step and help guide NASCAR, the sport I have loved since my dad took me to my first race at age 5, as it continues to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners who together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports.”, said Steve Phelps. “I can’t thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their consistent leadership, and most importantly, their stewardship of stock car racing since its inception nearly eight decades ago. This sport is truly one of America’s great business stories, and I’m privileged to continue to be a part of that legacy—and, most importantly, its bright future.”

Steve O'Donnell, as the sixth President in NASCAR history, will manage the sporting and business aspects of the series, as do IMSA President John Doonan and the various circuit presidents. All will report to Steve Phelps starting this Monday. Like many American sports, stock car racing is facing an aging fan base, which it wants to curb as quickly as possible. The Netflix premiere of NASCAR: Full Speed ​​is a step in this direction, with the aim of replicating the renewed interest in the sport. Formula 1 in Uncle Sam's country.

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