BREAKING NEWS: UNC Appoints Auto Racing Executive Steve Newmark as New Athletic Director Following Bubba Cunningham’s Shocking Resignation
In a bold and strategic move, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has officially announced the appointment of veteran auto racing executive Steve Newmark as its new Athletic Director (AD). The decision comes in the wake of the unexpected resignation of longtime AD Bubba Cunningham, sending shockwaves across Tar Heel Nation and the broader college athletics landscape.
UNC officials confirmed that the transition will take effect immediately, with Newmark slated to assume full responsibilities starting Monday, July 7, 2025. A press conference is expected later this week, where Newmark will be formally introduced to the Carolina community.
The appointment of Newmark, a well-respected figure in motorsports and longtime President of RFK Racing, signals UNC’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking leadership within its athletics department. With over two decades of experience in sports management, Newmark brings a unique blend of executive acumen, brand strategy, and athlete-centered development — qualities university officials believe are crucial for navigating the evolving college athletics environment.
“Steve is a proven leader with a track record of driving success, culture, and innovation,” UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said in a university statement. “His experience in the fast-paced world of auto racing, combined with his deep North Carolina roots and passion for collegiate athletics, makes him the ideal choice to guide our programs through this next chapter.”
Newmark is no stranger to the Tar Heel community. A North Carolina native and UNC Law School alumnus, he previously served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NASCAR before assuming leadership at RFK Racing, where he was instrumental in modernizing operations, building fan engagement, and fostering a winning culture.
“I am honored and incredibly humbled to return to Chapel Hill in this new role,” said Newmark in a statement released shortly after the announcement. “UNC is a place that has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to build upon the tradition of excellence and lead Carolina Athletics into a bright and competitive future.”
Newmark’s appointment comes during a dynamic and challenging time in college sports, with the NIL era, conference realignment, and transfer portal reshaping the NCAA landscape. University leaders believe Newmark’s business-savvy background and athlete-first mindset will be instrumental in positioning UNC Athletics as a national leader in these shifting tides.
The departure of Bubba Cunningham, who served as UNC’s Athletic Director since 2011, came as a surprise. Under his leadership, UNC captured multiple national championships and maintained a strong academic-athletic balance. Sources close to the program cited personal reasons for Cunningham’s exit, although no further details were disclosed.
As Newmark prepares to take the helm, Carolina fans and alumni are eagerly watching to see how his unique background will influence the next era of Tar Heel sports.
For now, one thing is certain: a new chapter begins in Chapel Hill — and it’s led by a man who knows how to navigate speed, strategy, and the road to success.
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