Breaking news sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community as Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR, reportedly announced that he would refuse and immediately fire any team that supported “Pride Month,” firmly stating that NASCAR “will never awaken” and is a “sport for men.” The controversial statement, made during a closed-door meeting with team executives, has sparked intense backlash across social media, the motorsports world, and beyond.
According to sources present at the meeting, Phelps allegedly made it clear that any visible support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, especially during Pride Month, would be considered a direct violation of what he described as “NASCAR’s core image.” The alleged remarks went further, emphasizing that “woke culture has no place in racing,” and that the league will maintain its traditional values moving forward. His declaration instantly drew gasps in the room and has since become the center of a rapidly growing public relations storm.
While NASCAR has historically been seen as a more traditional, male-dominated sport, in recent years, the organization has made modest efforts to become more inclusive. From supporting minority drivers to promoting anti-discrimination messaging, the league has taken steps toward modernizing its image. This alleged statement from Steve Phelps, however, appears to roll back that progress entirely, igniting criticism from fans, advocacy groups, and even some NASCAR drivers who voiced their disapproval online.
The fallout was immediate. Within hours, prominent sponsors began issuing statements reaffirming their support for diversity and inclusion. A few even hinted that continued association with NASCAR could be re-evaluated if the league does not distance itself from the remarks. Fans also took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to voice disappointment, with many calling for Phelps to clarify—or retract—his position.
In the midst of the controversy, NASCAR has yet to release an official statement, leaving speculation to dominate the headlines. Whether Steve Phelps’s remarks were taken out of context or reflect an official stance remains unclear, but the damage to public perception may already be done.
At a time when professional sports leagues are striving to be more inclusive, this incident could define NASCAR’s direction for years to come. Regardless of the fallout, one thing is certain—the sport finds itself at a crossroads, and the world is watching closely.
