(AP) - NASCAR named president Steve Phelps as its new commissioner overseeing all aspects of NASCAR, the IMSA sports car series and the 15 tracks owned or operated by NASCAR. Though NASCAR once had a stock car racing commissioner who handled penalty appeals, the sanctioning body is billing Phelps as the first with the expanded responsibilities of the newly created role. “We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR’s first commissioner,” NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement. “His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport.” Steve O’Donnell will move from NASCAR’s chief operating officer to replace Phelps as president and handle daily oversight of its three national series and its commercial, media and track operations. ...read more read less