Latest news with #NASCAR-owned
Fox Sports
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Questions Linger For 2026 INDYCAR Schedule: Which Tracks Should Be Added?
As NASCAR has made some announcements about its schedule over the last several weeks, the INDYCAR paddock is awaiting word on several races for next year. Should INDYCAR return to Iowa Speedway after a sparsely attended doubleheader weekend? Will INDYCAR go to Mexico City? Those questions remain top of mind for 2026, a year for which one new event — the Grand Prix of Arlington in March — has already been announced. New events often generate buzz and excitement. The race around the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums should be a sight to see. Mexico City would be a second new race for 2026 and also an incredible sight. A Mexico race has been a major priority with the popularity of Pato O'Ward, who is optimistic about having a race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. But going to Mexico City is more than just about O'Ward. It would be the lone place where INDYCAR would race on the same circuit as Formula 1, giving fans an idea of the similarities and the differences between the two series. One of the world's biggest cities, Mexico City would provide the exposure INDYCAR needs to help the brands of the sport's biggest names beyond O'Ward. As far as Iowa, it is a NASCAR-owned track that has been rented out by INDYCAR to host events. In other words, the track owner doesn't pay a sanction fee and then makes money by selling tickets. Instead, INDYCAR has handled the ticket sales to cover its costs of renting the track. Sponsorship revenue can also cover those costs, and after Hy-Vee ended its sponsorship of the Iowa doubleheader, that obviously impacted the weekend with no big concerts and in-market activations. It would be nice to see how Iowa could do with a single-race weekend (rather than a doubleheader). With it being so close to one of sprint-car racing's most iconic tracks (Knoxville Raceway), it only seems right that the fastest open-wheel cars race nearby. But that might be more of a desire of the heart than a sound business decision. INDYCAR needs to have ovals, and preferably a variety of them, so if Iowa is dropped, where would INDYCAR go next? Could that be Homestead? Could that be Richmond? Could that be Phoenix? All of those are owned by NASCAR and they have had INDYCAR races in their track history. Richmond would fill in a much-needed hole in the schedule, which currently doesn't have a race in the mid-Atlantic or the Northeast. A return to Pocono, where INDYCAR has seen its share of injuries and loss, is unlikely. Watkins Glen (another NASCAR-owned track) doesn't seem to be in the conversation. Thermal won't be on the 2026 race schedule. Having races at the private club near Palm Springs was intriguing, but the race lacked that big-event vibe. It makes for a great potential testing facility but not necessarily a great location for a race. INDYCAR is at its best as the anchor for a big event where people want to come and hang with friends and see fast cars. And then also the place where die-hard fans can come see and root for their favorite drivers (or against the ones they dislike most). So it needs diverse places. It needs diverse facilities. Hopefully the 2026 schedule has all of that. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass. recommended Item 1 of 1 Get more from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Reuters
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Steve Phelps named NASCAR's first commissioner
March 31 - Steve Phelps was named NASCAR's first commissioner on Monday with a mission focused on "strategic growth and international expansion." Phelps, 62, had been serving as president of NASCAR since 2018. In the newly created role, he will oversee all aspects of the sport that include the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks. Steve O'Donnell was promoted from chief operating officer to succeed Phelps as president. O'Donnell is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR national series (Cup Series, Xfinity and Trucks) and all commercial, media and track operations as well as four international series and multiple properties. "We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR's first Commissioner," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France. "His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport. With more than 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a commitment to the bold racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years to come." Phelps originally joined NASCAR in 2005. "I'm honored to take this next step in helping to guide NASCAR, the sport I've loved since my father took me to my first race at 5 years old, continue to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners that together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports," Phelps said. "I cannot thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their steady leadership and, most importantly, their stewardship of stock-car racing since its inception nearly eight decades ago. This sport is truly one of the great American business stories and I'm privileged to continue as part of that legacy -- and especially its bright future." O'Donnell becomes the sixth president in the sport's 77-year history. "In my 30 years in NASCAR, I've been most inspired by the passion of race fans at tracks across the country. It has been a privilege to help bring our sport to those fans through incredible new venues and innovative engaging content that showcase the best racing in our storied history," O'Donnell said. "I believe we're the best in the world at creating 'Bucket List' events that merge sports and entertainment with tailgating, camping and the most immersive fan experience in sports. I'm honored to continue that mission and build upon the collaboration and innovation with our teams and partners to deliver the best racing to sports fans everywhere."
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Steve Phelps Named First Commissioner of NASCAR
NASCAR has its first commissioner. Steve Phelps, who has been president of NASCAR since 2018, today was named the first commissioner of NASCAR. Phelps is the first commissioner of the racing body, which was formed in 1948. According to NASCAR, Phelps "is responsible for oversight of all operations NASCAR, as well as the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks." In Phelps' reign as president, the series has established transformative TV deals with FOX, NBC, Amazon Prime Video, TNT and The CW. Phelps also played a key role in the merger with International Speedway Corporation and the unification of 14 tracks, along with the Daytona International Speedway. Phelps has been with NASCAR since 2005. He started as vice president of corporate marketing. In 2006, he began a 12-year stint as chief marketing officer. He was promoted to CEO in April 2018 and then to president in September of that year.
NBC Sports
31-03-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
NASCAR elevates Steve Phelps to commissioner, Steve O'Donnell to president
Steve Phelps has been promoted to the newly created position of NASCAR Commissioner and Steve O'Donnell will take over Phelps' former role as NASCAR President, the sanctioning body announced Monday morning. 'We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR's first Commissioner. His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport,' said NASCAR Chairman & CEO, Jim France in a statement. 'With more than 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a commitment to the bold racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years to come.' Dustin Long, Phelps, who had been president since 2018, will oversee NASCAR, IMSA and all 15 NASCAR-owned tracks. His specific focus will be on strategic growth and international expansion. 'I'm honored to take this next step in helping to guide NASCAR, the sport I've loved since my father took me to my first race at five years old, continue to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners that together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports,' Phelps said in a statement. 'I cannot thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their steady leadership, and most importantly, their stewardship of stock car racing since its inception nearly eight decades ago. This sport is truly one of the great American business stories and I'm privileged to continue as part of that legacy – and especially its bright future.' Nate Ryan, O'Donnell, who had been chief operating officer, becomes the sixth NASCAR President. He will oversee day-to-day management of the sport, including all operations, competition and commercial business. 'In my 30 years in NASCAR, I've been most inspired by the passion of race fans at tracks across the country. It has been a privilege to help bring our sport to those fans through incredible new venues and innovative engaging content that showcase the best racing in our storied history,' said O'Donnell in a statement. 'I believe we're the best in the world at creating 'Bucket List' events that merge sports and entertainment with tailgating, camping and the most immersive fan experience in sports. I'm honored to continue that mission and build upon the collaboration and innovation with our teams and partners to deliver the best racing to sports fans everywhere.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR makes notable move at its Daytona Beach headquarters: 'Leading the way'
NASCAR is taking its sustainability efforts to a new level. Engineering corporation ABB announced a partnership with NASCAR and Florida Power & Light Company that will see 30 electric vehicle chargers installed at the auto racing association's Daytona Beach headquarters. Riley Nelson, head of sustainability at NASCAR, said in the release, "FPL and ABB will provide NASCAR with valuable guidance, reliable equipment and the support needed to electrify key elements of our operation." According to its official website, "ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation. We see our purpose as being to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting our engineering and digitalization expertise, we help industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform." In 2024, the company reported a 78% reduction in direct and indirect emissions of planet-warming gases since 2019 in company operations, along with an 8% reduction in such emissions along the total supply chain since 2022. FPL provides one of Florida's largest public EV networks of level 2 chargers in addition to home charger installation. Meanwhile, NASCAR has outlined commitments to going green that extend beyond using EVs during races, thanks to its IMPACT program. Drivers may soon be using sustainable racing fuels, and patrons and drivers can look forward to more recycling options as well. The goal is to decrease operating emissions to zero by 2035 as they aim for "100% renewable electricity at all NASCAR-owned facilities and racetracks," according to Forbes. The effort could be impactful since one NASCAR race weekend may emit 120,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, according to HowStuffWorks. All that carbon from burning dirty fuel traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to increasingly hot temperatures and climate change. As a result, larger and more dangerous extreme weather events — like extended droughts, out-of-season wildfires, and destructive hurricanes — have become more common. Other companies are also making quantifiably eco-friendlier changes and not just greenwashing. HF Capital LLC, the family office of Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, pledged $725 million toward using biofuels for marine shipping, energy, and power supply and distribution. Across the pond, Japanese shipping company Ocean Network Express — also known as ONE — and freight forwarder Yusen Logistics have collaborated to use a more sustainable biofuel for propulsion. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As John Stahlbusch, vice president of sales for North America at ABB E-mobility, said in the press release, "NASCAR is leading the way on electrification and Daytona is another significant step forward." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
