Charlotte, North Carolina, January 7, 2026
NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps announced his resignation, effective at the end of the month, after an antitrust lawsuit revealed inflammatory private messages. Despite his controversial exit, NASCAR leaders praised his contributions to the sport, including modernization efforts and media agreements. No immediate replacement for the commissioner will be made, as Phelps’ responsibilities will be distributed among existing executives. As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, major races like the Cook Out Clash and Daytona 500 are on the horizon.
Charlotte, North Carolina
NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps announced his resignation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, effective at the end of the month, just weeks before the 2026 racing season is set to begin nationwide. This significant leadership change follows intense scrutiny stemming from an antitrust lawsuit that brought to light inflammatory private messages sent by Phelps.
Leadership Transition Amidst Controversy
Mr. Phelps, who has been with NASCAR for over two decades, concluded his tenure as Commissioner after an antitrust trial revealed communications he exchanged with his leadership team during revenue-sharing negotiations. These revelations included inflammatory remarks, such as calling a Hall of Fame team owner a “stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged”. The controversy escalated further when Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and a major NASCAR partner, publicly called for Phelps’ removal. NASCAR settled the lawsuit in December, shortly after Morris’s letter became public and Phelps had concluded his testimony.
Despite the circumstances of his departure, NASCAR leaders, including Chairman and CEO Jim France, lauded Phelps’ contributions to the sport. He is credited with modernizing the racing schedule, expanding NASCAR’s international presence, securing long-term media and charter agreements, and championing fan-focused innovations. NASCAR has indicated that there are no immediate plans to appoint a new commissioner, and Phelps’ responsibilities will be distributed among the existing senior executive team.
Upcoming NASCAR Season
The 2026 NASCAR season is fast approaching, with pre-season events and the main Cup Series races scheduled to commence in February. The Cook Out Clash, an exhibition race, is set for February 1, followed by the highly anticipated Daytona 500, the first points race of the season, on February 15. The season’s various series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Craftsman Truck Series, will feature races across the United States, concluding in November. Approximately ten years ago, NASCAR centralized control over the television contracts for all its races, a strategic move that has shaped its media landscape.
Local News in Charlotte
In other recent news affecting the Charlotte area, local media continues to see staffing changes and programming developments. Carolyn Cerda joined WBTV as a new morning anchor, with her move to the Charlotte-based station announced on December 30, 2025. This addition marks another development in the local news landscape.
Looking back, the station expanded its local offerings on September 9, 2019, by launching a new hour of programming at 3 p.m.. These local programming initiatives underscore the ongoing evolution of broadcasting in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest significant development concerning NASCAR leadership?
- NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps announced his resignation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, effective at the end of the month, just weeks before the 2026 racing season is set to begin nationwide.
- When is Steve Phelps’ resignation effective?
- Steve Phelps’ resignation is effective at the end of January 2026.
- What prompted Steve Phelps’ resignation?
- His resignation follows intense scrutiny stemming from an antitrust lawsuit that brought to light inflammatory private messages sent by Phelps, including calling a Hall of Fame team owner a “stupid redneck.”
- When does the 2026 NASCAR season start?
- The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season officially begins with the Cook Out Clash on February 1 and the Daytona 500 on February 15.
- What are NASCAR’s plans for replacing the Commissioner role?
- NASCAR has indicated that there are no immediate plans to appoint a new commissioner; Steve Phelps’ responsibilities will be distributed among the existing senior executive team.
- Who recently joined WBTV as a new morning anchor?
- Carolyn Cerda joined WBTV as a new morning anchor, with her move to the Charlotte-based station announced on December 30, 2025.
- When did WBTV launch its new hour of local programming at 3 p.m.?
- WBTV launched a new hour of local programming at 3 p.m. starting on September 9, 2019.
Key Developments Overview
| Event | Key Details | Geographic Scope | Date/Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Commissioner Resignation | Steve Phelps announced his departure following an antitrust lawsuit and revelation of inflammatory messages. No immediate replacement planned; responsibilities delegated internally. | Nationwide | Announced January 6, 2026; Effective end of January 2026. |
| 2026 NASCAR Season Start | The new racing season begins with the Cook Out Clash and Daytona 500. | Nationwide | Cook Out Clash: February 1, 2026; Daytona 500: February 15, 2026. |
| NASCAR TV Contracts Control | NASCAR took control of television contracts for all races. | Nationwide | Approximately 10 years ago (from ~2015). |
| WBTV New Morning Anchor | Carolyn Cerda joined WBTV as a new morning anchor. | State-level (Charlotte, NC) | Announced December 30, 2025. |
| WBTV Local Programming Expansion | Launched a new hour of local programming at 3 p.m. | State-level (Charlotte, NC) | Started September 9, 2019. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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