Richard Childress Racing shared that it is contemplating legal action in response to NASCAR executives including current NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps disparaging Richard Childress.
Text messages obtained as part of the ongoing lawsuit between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports vs NASCAR show NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps disparaging Childress. As shared to social media by Motorsport reporter Matt Weaver, Phelps said in communication with NASCAR’s Chief Media & Revenue Officer Brian Herbst, “Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar.”
In another message, Phelps added, “These guys are short sighted and self serving. Childress is an idiot. If they don’t like the state of the sport, sell you charter and get out.”
Still in another message he posted, “Did I mention that Childress is an idiot? … If he’s that angry (and apparently he is) sign your charter extension and sell. He’s not smart – is a dinosaur – and a malcontent. He’s worth a couple hundred million dollars – every dollar associated with nascar in some fashion. Total ass-clown.”
He reiterated his claim that Childress is an idiot while discussing the cost of NASCAR’s Gen-7 car’s underwing, “No different than the bike car – they all spent millions chasing speed under the car. He’s an idiot.”
There’s a lot here in this August 30 2023 text thread with Steve Phelps, Steve O’Donnell and Brian Herbst
There’s not great conviction in their broadcast chances in 2030/31 unless the sport is in a better place
They were really frustrated with Richard Childress at the time pic.twitter.com/a8lR7VxCsW
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) November 22, 2025
In response to these text messages, Richard Childress Racing issued a statement via Kelly Crandall, “RCR and Richard Childress are deeply disappointed by the insensitive and defamatory statements made about Mr. Childress in recently surfaced text messages between NASCAR executives Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst.”
“These comments reflect the way certain NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have devoted their lives to strengthening the sport for its fans, its sponsors, and all who compete in it,” the statement continued. “RCR and Richard Childress are equally disappointed for the NASCAR fans, with whom Mr. Childress closely identifies given his humble and hard-working background.”
“Mr. Childress and the organization will issue no further statements regarding these or other defamatory text messages that have recently surfaced, as legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel,” the statement concluded.
Richard Childress Racing statement:
“RCR and Richard Childress are deeply disappointed by the insensitive and defamatory statements made about Mr. Childress in recently surfaced text messages between NASCAR executives Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst. These comments reflect the way…
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) November 24, 2025
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