3 things to know about Chip Wile, NASCAR’s newly appointed Drivers’ Advisory Council chief

As NASCAR prepares for its 2026 season, the sport has ushered in a new era of leadership with Chip Wile’s appointment as the executive director of the Drivers’ Advisory Council (DAC). He replaced former NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, who led the DAC since its formation in 2022. However, Burton will continue as an advisor to help Wile transition into the role.

With Wile’s appointment, the Drivers’ Advisory Council isn’t just continuing its mission; it’s poised for a more strategic role in how NASCAR evolves competitively and operationally through the 2026 season and beyond.

On that note, let’s take a look at three essential things to know about Chip Wile and what his leadership means for the future of NASCAR drivers.

#1 Chip Wile has decades of NASCAR leadership experience

Chip Wile is not a former driver. He’s a seasoned NASCAR executive with decades of experience in track leadership and motorsports operations. He’s most notably served as president of Daytona International Speedway and previously held a leadership role at Darlington Raceway, giving him a strong background in both the business and competition sides of the sport.

Wille successfully rebranded the Darlington as a premier destination for nostalgia and modern racing.

#2 The DAC is entering a critical phase

In 2022, the DAC was created as a formal platform for drivers to share feedback on safety, competition, and other key issues directly with NASCAR leadership. Under Chip Wile’s watch, the council’s role could expand as NASCAR enters a major rules cycle involving a planned “horsepower increase and a series of safety-focused initiatives.”

This change in leadership comes at a time when open communication between drivers, teams, and NASCAR officials is very important, not just for competitive and safety reasons but also after the antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and two teams (23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports).

#3 Chip Wile’s appointment reflects NASCAR’s focus on alignment and communication

Chip Wile’s appointment signals NASCAR’s intention to strengthen the bridge between drivers and the governing body. He approaches the job with deep internal insight into how NASCAR operates. This could help the DAC become a more effective conduit for driver concerns, particularly on complex issues like safety standards, competition systems, and weekend operations where technical, regulatory, and governance elements intersect.

The current DAC roster features drivers such as Joey Logano, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Michael McDowell alongside former drivers Kurt Busch and Kyle Petty.