March of Dimes Shines the Spotlight on NASCAR Chief Steve Phelps
The intersection of high-octane stock car racing and high-society philanthropy isn’t a place you find yourself every day. However, on a Wednesday afternoon in New York City, that is exactly where the sport took center stage. The March of Dimes, an organization synonymous with protecting the health of mothers and babies, turned its spotlight on NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps.
Phelps was honored with the Corporate Leadership Award during the annual Sports Luncheon. For those of us who follow the sport week in and week out, seeing Phelps on stage at the historic Cipriani 42nd Street wasn’t just a photo opportunity. It was a validation of the direction NASCAR has taken under his guidance. Phelps wasn’t standing there alone, either.
He shared the marquee with absolute titans of the athletic world, retired NFL center and broadcasting personality Jason Kelce, and the most decorated female swimmer in history, Katie Ledecky. To see the leader of our sport standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Olympic gold medalists and gridiron legends speaks volumes about where stock car racing sits in the current cultural conversation.
A Career Defined by Steady Leadership
Steve Phelps hasn’t just occupied a chair in Daytona Beach. He has been a transformative engine for the sport since walking through the doors in 2005. At the same time, the March of Dimes event was a celebration of his current stature. It’s impossible to separate the award from the journey. Starting as the vice president for corporate marketing, Phelps climbed the ladder the old-fashioned way by delivering results.
When he was named the fifth president in NASCAR history, it was a massive responsibility. But the shift that occurred in March of this year, elevating him to the role of Commissioner, signaled a new era. This isn’t just about waving the green flag on Sundays. The Commissioner’s role encompasses a massive portfolio, including oversight of the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and the 15 racetracks owned or operated by the sanctioning body.
Receiving the Corporate Leadership Award is a testament to how he has managed that weight. It acknowledges that running a sports league in the modern era requires more than just competition management; it requires corporate citizenship, empathy, and the ability to mobilize a massive fanbase for good causes.
High Praise from Industry Titans
The emotion in the room was warranted, particularly when the tributes began to roll. It is one thing to be honored by an organization, but it’s another to be recognized by your peers and bosses. Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, made a virtual appearance via video to address Phelps directly.
“Steve, you’ve been a great friend, a fantastic leader for NASCAR and our sport, and I’m very proud that you are our commissioner,” France said. For a family-owned business like NASCAR, such public endorsement from a member of the French family is significant. It reinforces the trust that has been placed in Phelps’ hands.
Perhaps even more telling was the praise from outside the garage. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in sports business, weighed in with a video message of his own. “Steve is the definition of a steady and reliable leader,” Silver noted, highlighting Phelps’ 35 years of service in the sports sector. When the head of the NBA takes time to laud your leadership style, it confirms that your influence extends far beyond the pit lane.
The March of Dimes Connection
While the glitz of the Sports Luncheon, often dubbed the “Super Bowl” of charitable sports gatherings,” is undeniable, the cause remains the event’s heartbeat. The March of Dimes has a mission that resonates deeply with NASCAR’s family-centric culture: fighting for the health of moms and babies. The event raised an impressive amount of money, continuing a legacy that has generated over $20 million historically.
By accepting this award, Steve Phelps didn’t just take a bow for himself. He received it on behalf of the entire NASCAR industry. He acknowledged the garage, the teams, and the fans, tying the generosity of the racing community to the lifesaving research and services provided by the March of Dimes.
What This Means for Steve Phelps and NASCAR
It has been a whirlwind year for Phelps. From his appointment as Commissioner in March to this recognition in December 2025, this year is shaping up to be a defining year in his executive legacy. Yet, knowing his management style, this likely won’t be a moment for him to rest on his laurels.
Honors like this serve as a reminder of the platform sports leagues possess. Under Phelps, NASCAR has increasingly leveraged that platform for social good, community outreach, and charitable impact. As he stood on that stage in New York, holding a trophy alongside Katie Ledecky and Jason Kelce, it was a clear signal that NASCAR is driving forward not just on the track but also in the boardroom and the community.
Final Thoughts
For a guy who started in corporate marketing two decades ago, Steve Phelps has done more than just sell the sport. He’s helped shape its soul. And as the applause died down at Cipriani, one thing was clear: the Commissioner is just getting started.
