The March of Dimes recognized NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps with the Corporate Leadership Award on Wednesday during its annual Sports Luncheon fundraising gala in New York City.
Phelps was honored at the Cipriani 42nd Street banquet hall alongside this year’s recipients of the organization’s Sports Achievement Awards — former NFL player-turned-broadcaster Jason Kelce and Olympic swimming legend Katie Ledecky. The three were each presented with trophies at the 42nd edition of the sports industry gathering, which benefitted the March of Dimes’ lifesaving services and research for maternal and infant health.
Phelps was named commissioner in March after serving a nearly seven-year term as NASCAR’s fifth president in the sport’s 77-year history. Phelps took on new responsibilities with his appointment to the commissioner’s post, including oversight of NASCAR, the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) sports-car series and all 15 tracks that the organization owns or operates.
Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 as vice president for corporate marketing and was quickly promoted to chief marketing officer. He’s since been a trusted presence with NASCAR’s executive leadership, spanning two decades of service.
“Steve, you’ve been a great friend, a fantastic leader for NASCAR and our sport, and I’m very proud that you are our commissioner,” said Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, addressing Phelps in a video presentation. Phelps’ appreciation was mutual, and he acknowledged the entire NASCAR industry in accepting the award on behalf of the stock-car racing community.
The annual luncheon — once described by Sports Business Journal as “the Super Bowl of charitable sports gatherings” with a who’s-who list of influential participants and award winners — has raised more than $20 million in support of March of Dimes’ mission. Past honorees include Simone Biles, Derek Jeter, Roger Goodell, Arthur Ashe and Patrick Ewing.
Goodell was among the sports executives applauding Phelps’ recognition with video messages. “Steve is the definition of a steady and reliable leader,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “It’s wonderful to see his 35 years of leadership and service in sports honored by the March of Dimes. No one is more deserving than Steve.”
CBS Sports President David Berson chaired this year’s event. Last year, the luncheon raised a record $1.5 million for March of Dimes. The 2024 honorees were former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Commissioner Jessica Berman, and entertainment executive and sports agent Casey Wasserman — a former colleague of Phelps’ who heads the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.