2026 has started on a bombshell note for NASCAR, with the sport saying goodbye to its Commissioner following the charter lawsuit settlement. Having been a part of the sport for over two decades, Steve Phelps played a pivotal role in landmark decisions, many of which weren’t welcomed by the fans. But now that he’s gone, most fans feel that a new era of NASCAR is upon us. However, a veteran insider has grim news waiting for all such fans.
Veteran NASCAR Insider Shares Grim Reality Check for Fans Hoping for a Better Tomorrow
By the time the NASCAR charter lawsuit ended, everyone knew that change would be the norm in the sport by the time the 2026 season gets underway. By and large, the structural changes were all that everyone expected, despite serious calls for leadership and management changes.
However, early in 2026, a significant leadership change occurred with Phelps stepping down as NASCAR Commissioner, while the other top management personnel continued with their responsibilities.
For many, Phelps’ departure signals a ‘new era’ of NASCAR where fans will get to see the changes they have been asking for. However, veteran insider Jeff Gluck has grim news in store for all such fans, as the journalist reveals that no changes are coming to NASCAR.
In a recent video uploaded on Gluck’s YouTube channel, the journalist said that not much is going to change, even with Phelps gone. Instead, Gluck feels that the surprising departure will only destabilize the entire NASCAR structure.
“Not much is going to change with this at all. If you think this is the moment when ‘oh yeah, now Steve Phelps is out. This is the start of a new leadership era.’ No, that’s just not the case. In fact, without Steve Phelps there, there’s a greater chance that this gets destabilized for a little bit.”
While Phelps has undoubtedly been at the centre of some of the most infamous incidents in the sport, Gluck pointed out that he was never against the fans.
Yes, he did say what he said about Richard Childress and the SRX series, but on the other hand, he was also quoted in court by Jeffrey Kessler as wanting to give permanent charters to the teams.
Of the two Steves (Phelps and O’Donnell), Gluck pointed out that Phelps was the more composed personality, rarely losing his temper. His interests always remained in doing what’s best for the fans and the sport, but his hands were tied.
With that, Gluck pointed out the real problem at hand in the form of the France family.
In the video, Gluck highlighted that Jim France was the one standing against the interests of the teams, and it was France who did not want to grant the evergreen charters. Moreover, several other key factors surrounding the sport led to France’s disapproval, prompting NASCAR to shelving those ideas.
Given that Phelps was working for France, he had no choice but to comply with his boss’s instructions and ultimately paid the price. As such, Gluck is confident that Phelps’ departure will bring little good to NASCAR, at least until France holds office.