The Drivers Advisory Council will undergo a leadership change ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Although key figures will remain heavily involved.

According to a Monday announcement, former NASCAR executive/track president Chip Wile is now the executive director of the Drivers Advisory Council. This council serves as a conduit between the drivers and NASCAR, its tracks, or the manufacturers while gathering information from the competitors to provide feedback about key decisions.

Jeff Burton, who led the Drivers Advisory Council from its formation in 2022, will still remain involved while stepping down from his previous role. He will serve as an advisor moving forward while working with Wile and the board members.

Wile’s history in the sport is extensive on both the team and NASCAR side. He previously held roles with Turner Motorsports and the Motor Racing Network before moving into track leadership.

Wile served as president of Darlington Raceway for nearly three years (2013-2016) and then he took over Daytona International Speedway in April 2016. He remained president of the 2.5-mile track until 2021 before becoming chief track property officer for NASCAR. Wile stepped away from NASCAR after the 2025 season, but he will remain in the sport in this new role.

The 2026 board members include two-time Daytona 500 winner William Byron, three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano, five-time winner Chase Briscoe, two-time winner Michael McDowell, former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, and former Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.

Busch, Logano, and Petty have been board members since the beginning. Some of the previous board members include Denny Hamlin, Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez, and Corey LaJoie.

“Collaboration is critical to our growth, and we welcome any opportunity to strengthen communication with our drivers,” said Steve O’Donnell, then-NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, in a 2022 statement.

“We often look to drivers for input when making decisions that affect the sport, and the Drivers Advisory Council will help streamline that communication. Working together, we will continue to deliver the great NASCAR racing experience our fans expect and deserve.”

 

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