NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps testified Tuesday in a federal antitrust trial.
Phelps took the stand on the seventh day of a trial in which two teams are suing NASCAR for alleged monopolistic practices. He quickly faced a question about his salary.
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Phelps, president of NASCAR at the time of the 2024 charter negotiations, makes a Salary of $2.5 million as commissioner, with up to an additional $2.5 million in bonuses. Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that he reported receiving $1.6 million, with up to $3.25 million in bonuses as president.
Explaining the NASCAR Lawsuit
Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing were the only two of the 15 Cup Series teams that declined to sign a multi-year charter agreement last September. Instead, they sued NASCAR for allegedly violating the Sherman Antitrust Act after failing to meet a mandated deadline.
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NASCAR sued both teams and 23XI Racing co-owner Curtis Polk, accusing them of conspiring with other teams during the charter negotiation process. Judge Kenneth D. Bell dismissed the counterclaim and determined that NASCAR “clearly exercises monopsony power” as the premier stock car racing operation in the United States.
If they lose their case, FRM and 23XI could lose millions in non-charter revenue and risk going bankrupt. Meanwhile, a victory could trigger massive changes within NASCAR and oust CEO Jim France, who is named as a co-defendant.
Phelps testifies
February 12, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, United States; NASCAR President Steve Phelps during media day for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phelps said during Tuesday’s testimony, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchithat it was “unfair” to say that NASCAR presented teams with a firm deadline of September 6, 2024 to enter or leave a charter agreement. He also said he did not remember telling owner Rick Hendrick that France did not want to grant permanent charters to the teams.
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Asked about nearly $400 million paid to the France family from 2021 to 2024, Phelps said he believed $300 million was used to pay taxes. He wasn’t sure if it was about NASCAR taxes or family.
Phelps claimed that NASCAR would “cease to exist” if it met the teams’ initial request to receive $720 million per year.
“This was one of the most difficult and longest negotiations I have ever been involved in,” Phelps said.
This story was originally published by The yarn on December 9, 2025, where he first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as Favorite source by clicking here.
