Richard Childress May Sue NASCAR Over ‘Stupid Redneck’ Texts
The antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR is set to go to trial on Dec. 1 and exhibits related to the case that were unsealed last week may lead to another legal battle.
Several text messages between NASCAR executives included disparaging remarks about longtime team owner and engine builder Richard Childress.
The comments came in 2023 during early discussions between NASCAR and the teams about the new charter agreement and after Childress appeared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, where he criticized the NextGen Cup Series car and potential new media rights deal.
“Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged, He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar,” wrote then-NASCAR President Steve Phelps, who is now the Commissioner of NASCAR.
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“These guys are short sighted and self serving. Childress is an idiot. If they don’t like the state of the sport, sell your charter and get out,” Phelps continued. “If he’s 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.”
Fox Sports reported that Phelps recently reached out to Childress to let him know the texts would be revealed and assured him that he does not really think that way of him. Nevertheless, Richard Childress Racing released a statement on Monday saying it was “disappointed” in the comments and that it was looking into possible legal recourse.
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“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. RCR and Richard Childress are equally disappointed for the NASCAR fans, with whom Mr. Childress closely identifies given his humble and hard-working background,” the statement said.
“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.”
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Unlike 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, Childress did ultimately sign the new charter agreement, but told Fox Sports at the time, “I didn’t have a choice because we had to sign. I have over 400 employees, OEM in contracts, contracts with sponsors, and I have to take care of my team.”
Richard Childress Racing driver Jesse Love won the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series title.
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