Kenny Wallace has spoken out strongly following the emergence of controversial text messages linked to NASCAR’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit, placing the focus squarely on how NASCAR executives have spoken about key figures like Richard Childress. The newly revealed messages, central to the Kenny Wallace NASCAR lawsuit reaction, have sparked heated debate just months before a significant trial date.
Revelations Surface Amid NASCAR Legal Battle
The release of internal conversations was prompted by legal filings from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, who have accused NASCAR of monopolistic practices in controlling tracks and media rights. As part of this lawsuit, documents revealed candid exchanges among top officials, with Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst expressing harsh criticism towards car owner Richard Childress. The fallout from these disclosures has arrived at a delicate period, with the December 1, 2025, trial fast approaching and pressure mounting on NASCAR leadership to address mounting concerns from both industry insiders and fans.
Insults Exchanged Over Charter Disputes and Media Deals
The inflammatory remarks were traced to a period of internal tension regarding charter negotiations. Richard Childress, who had questioned the economic implications of NASCAR’s Next Gen model and the distribution of potential new media revenue, became the subject of disdain in private texts. Childress’s public critique on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio highlighted the escalating divide between team owners and league executives. According to court documents, Phelps responded to Childress’s comments with a string of insults and suggestions that Childress should sell his charter and leave the sport.
Kenny Wallace Reads Disturbing Exchanges Aloud
On a recent episode of his Coffee with Kenny show, Wallace did not mince words as he recited direct quotes from Steve Phelps’s texts regarding Richard Childress.
“Steve Phelps from NASCAR, he’s not the president right now, but I can’t even believe I’m saying this. He said Richard Childress, one of our biggest car owners in NASCAR, needs to be taken out back and flogged because he’s a dumbass redneck. Should I repeat that?”
— Kenny Wallace, Television Personality
Beyond Wallace’s own shock, the released texts captured a recurring pattern of disparaging remarks:
“Childress is an idiot. If they don’t like the state of the sport, sell your charter and get out.”
— Steve Phelps, NASCAR Executive
“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.”
— Steve Phelps, NASCAR Executive
Additionally, Wallace shared another pointed message during his show:
“Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.”
Wider Implications for NASCAR and Its Teams
The timing and tone of these messages have only increased speculation about NASCAR’s future relationship with team owners, especially as the threat of a fractured revenue-sharing model or even teams leaving the sport becomes more tangible. Reports indicate that after the texts became public, Phelps personally contacted Childress and claimed he did not mean the statements literally. However, as veteran reporter Bob Pockrass noted, the damage appears done, with the texts now a matter of public record as the legal conflict intensifies.
As the countdown continues toward the critical trial, NASCAR’s most influential figures, including Steve Phelps, Brian Herbst, and Richard Childress, find themselves at the center of a legal and cultural storm. Kenny Wallace’s NASCAR lawsuit reaction underscores growing unease among industry insiders and signals a period of uncertainty that could lead to dramatic changes across the racing landscape, depending on the outcome of the litigation and public response to the internal strife now laid bare.
Texts after SiriusXM 8-29-2023 with Dave Moody
Childress said he could build 14 former Cup cars for cost of 7 Next Gen.
Was asked if potential new media deal could be a positive, RC responded: For who?
Fwiw Phelps called RC weeks ago to say he doesn't feel that way about him. https://t.co/kDRKMIXqe9
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 22, 2025
