Steve Phelps on quality of NASCAR racing in 2024: 'Inarguably this is the best racing we've ever had'

NASCAR President Steve Phelps is working on some new wrinkles for the 2025 Cup Series campaign at the moment, but he took some time to reflect on the 2024 season with the end of the year imminent.

Speaking with Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic about the state of the sport, Phelps claimed that this past season’s racing was the best spectators have ever seen across NASCAR, believing the quality will only improve from here on out.

“I think that inarguably this is the best racing we’ve ever had,” Phelps said, regarding how he would rate the overall quality of this past season’s racing. “Statistically and the eye test and just kind of looking at a high level, I think that’s a true statement. The great news about our guys is they never rest on what they’ve done, they’re always pushing to tweak to make it better. And speaking of the short track package, a lot of that is the changes to the tire that Goodyear made, which has made a difference.

“Obviously, (races on) intermediates have been off the charts since this Next Gen car came on the scene in 2022, and I just think there’s going to be a continuing to iterate on it.”

While some fans might disagree with Phelps sentiment, 2024 was an awesome year for NASCAR, even if it might not be inarguably their best, like their President is claiming. Still, there was a lot to love, and there’s a litany of exciting developments moving forward in 2025 to be excited about, as well.

NASCAR is going to new and interesting destinations, as well as some old favorites, in 2025. Not just with the Cup Series, but with the Xfinity and Truck Series. Mexico City, Rockingham, Lime Rock Park, Bowman Gray, Chicago, North Wilkesboro, and other tracks show the variation in this schedule.

“I’m really encouraged by the direction that the sport is going,” Phelps added. “I think we are well positioned as we get into ’25 with new media partners, a great product on the racetrack, some really good storylines, and overall a healthy sport. So to me, I’m sleeping very soundly.”

Time will tell if Steve Phelps is right to be so positive about where NASCAR is headed, or if he’s just playing a bit coy with the media. Regardless, the Cup Series and the sport as a whole seems to be in a good spot moving forward, and the future is more than bright.