NASCAR, the Daytona Beach, Florida-based sanctioning body, has appointed Steve Phelps as commissioner of NASCAR, the first to be named to the newly created position overseeing all aspects of the organization, including IMSA and the 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks.

Phelps will lead all functions of the sport with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion while continuing to work directly with NASCAR owners, Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy, the sanctioning body said, and will work across the NASCAR ecosystem to provide value to all stakeholders while increasing global fan engagement. Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 and has served as the fifth president in the sport's 77-year history since taking the position in 2018.

Additionally, Steve O'Donnell, current NASCAR COO, will succeed Phelps in the role of NASCAR president. He will provide day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR national series, and all NASCAR commercial, media and track operations, as well as its international series and multiple local and grassroots properties. Both changes are effective immediately.

For more information, visit nascar.com.