Steve Phelps, named NASCAR's first commissioner just 10 months ago, announced his impending departure from the organization on Tuesday. Phelps, 63, has been with NASCAR since 2005 and had served as its president from 2018 until his promotion to the newly created commissioner's role on March 31.

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps announced his resignation, ending a more than 20-year career with the sport’s top racing series.

During the trial, messages showed Phelps making inflammatory remarks about Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress, calling him “a stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”