Where the Rubber Met the Road for NASCAR: When Bold Action Can Impact the Bottom Line
Earlier this year, NASCAR contributed its voice to the fight against racism and racial injustice, and reinforced its commitment to building a culture of diversity and inclusion for its fans, competitors and industry. Leading NASCAR’s efforts has been president Steve Phelps, who addressed the NASCAR industry in June with a promise to create meaningful change.
In the days that followed, NASCAR announced its ban of the Confederate flag from track properties – an important message to all that NASCAR is welcoming and inclusive of everyone that shares a passion for racing. This bold action was a true where-the-rubber-meets-the-road moment for Phelps and NASCAR, which pledged to fight racial injustices not just with words, but with action.
Hear directly from Phelps in an executive discussion with SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, on navigating the known risks and pushback from customers and fans, and how a strengthened commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion is moving NASCAR forward. You will gain actionable insights on growing your own business acumen and driving bold change.
Steve Phelps
Steve Phelps is President for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).
Promoted to President in September 2018, Phelps became just the fifth person to hold the position in NASCAR history. Phelps is based at NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida.
In his current role, he oversees all day-to-day operations of the sanctioning body including competition, racing operations, commercial business, marketing, communications, broadcasting, productions, content, digital and international.
Under Phelps’ leadership, the sanctioning body has refocused its priorities to ensure the world’s best racing experience is delivered to NASCAR fans on a weekly basis at track, at home or on the go. Through increased collaboration and consensus-building with drivers, race teams, tracks and stakeholders, Phelps’ leadership has the entire industry focused on long-term growth through exciting on-track action and intense competition and innovation.
Phelps joined NASCAR as Vice President of Corporate Marketing in July 2005. He was named Chief Marketing Officer in February 2006 and promoted to Senior Vice President in January 2010, Executive Vice President in December 2013 and COO in April of 2018.
During his time at NASCAR, Phelps has won Adweek’s prestigious Sports Marketing Executive of the Year and was named its Brand Genius Award winner in the “sports” category.
Prior to joining NASCAR, Phelps was Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Wasserman Media Group. In 1990, Phelps began a 14-year tenure at the National Football League where he served as Vice President, Corporate Marketing.
A native of Vermont, he obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont and an MBA from Boston College. He resides in Daytona Beach, Florida.