Following Steve Phelps’ resignation as NASCAR commissioner on Tuesday, two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch revealed his preferred candidate for the position. Speaking at North Wilkesboro Speedway the same day, Busch identified Mike Helton as the ideal choice to lead NASCAR’s ongoing operations, highlighting Helton’s extensive experience and leadership skills.
Busch emphasized the complexity of the commissioner’s role, noting the importance of managing relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), league staff, teams, media, and other stakeholders.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of all of what Phelps did but just through some of the rumblings, his ability of being able to talk amongst all of the key partners — the OEMs, the league personnel below him and of course the teams, owners and things like that, TV people, radio people — handling all the businesses and getting all media rights things the way that he did, he was very charismatic. So, who does that now is probably a tough spot, but we’ll see what happens with that,”
Busch said, via Peter Stratta of TSJSports.
He added succinctly,
“I’d put Helton back in if it were me.”
Mike Helton’s Legacy and Role Within NASCAR
Mike Helton, aged 72, currently holds the position of vice chairman of NASCAR. His career with the organization began in 1980, and he notably became the first outside member of the France family to serve as president in 2000. Helton remained president until 2015 and played a key part in NASCAR’s significant growth during the early to mid-2000s.
Helton’s return to a commissioner role would symbolize a nod to NASCAR’s established leadership during a period widely regarded as pivotal for the sport’s expansion and stability. His experience is considered invaluable amid the current challenges NASCAR faces.
Steve O’Donnell’s Potential as a Successor
When Phelps was appointed as NASCAR’s first commissioner in spring 2025, Steve O’Donnell succeeded him as president — becoming the sport’s sixth president. Busch addressed O’Donnell’s readiness to possibly take on a commissioner-like role in the future.
“Everybody always said he was the new Helton,”
Busch remarked.
“I don’t mind Steve. I like O’Donnell… but there’s shoes to fill and whether he’s that guy, more power to it.”
Steve Phelps’ Departure and Controversies
Steve Phelps resigned less than a year into his term as NASCAR commissioner, following contentious moments during a high-profile trial. The court case, involving an antitrust lawsuit filed by Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR and CEO Jim France, accused the organization of monopolistic behavior.
The discovery phase of the trial unearthed text exchanges showcasing Phelps’ volatile remarks, including an August 2023 conversation with Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s chief media and revenue officer. Phelps referred to longtime team owner Richard Childress as a
“stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR”
and suggested Childress should be “taken out back and flogged.” These comments followed Childress’ public criticism of the Next Gen car and ongoing media rights negotiations.
During his trial testimony, Phelps expressed regret over these statements and confirmed he had apologized to Childress before the messages became public. Meanwhile, Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops and a major NASCAR sponsor, publicly urged Phelps to resign or be dismissed. One day after Morris’ open letter, the lawsuit was settled following eight days in court.
Steve Phelps’ Career Achievements in NASCAR Leadership
Steve Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 as vice president of corporate marketing and climbed the ranks to chief operating officer in 2018. Later that year, he was named the sport’s fifth president. His appointment as the first NASCAR commissioner came in spring 2025, marking a new chapter for the organization.
Among Phelps’ notable accomplishments was leading NASCAR’s efforts to resume its 38-race 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, making NASCAR one of the earliest major sports organizations to return to competition. He also played a significant role in negotiating the lucrative 2025–2031 media rights deal valued at $7.7 billion, securing substantial future revenue for the league.
Ongoing Impact and NASCAR’s Leadership Future
Kyle Busch’s endorsement of Mike Helton reflects a desire for experienced, steady leadership as NASCAR navigates recent controversies and legal challenges. Helton’s comprehensive background suggests he could restore confidence and continuity within NASCAR’s executive ranks.
Should the league appoint a new commissioner, it remains possible that Steve O’Donnell’s stature as president might position him for expanded responsibilities, continuing the organizational bridge between the commissioner and team or operational concerns.
With the fallout from Phelps’ departure and ongoing stakeholder scrutiny, NASCAR finds itself at a leadership crossroads, where careful selection of its top executive roles will greatly influence the sport’s trajectory in the coming years.
.@KyleBusch gave his thoughts on NASCAR’s new/old format, testing at @NWBSpeedway, and his friendship with Greg Biffle.
“Any crashes will kill your championship run”#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/HGlnHnAQOh
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) January 13, 2026
