Richard Childress is weighing possible legal action against NASCAR executive Steve Phelps after private text messages containing harsh insults surfaced, leading to heightened tensions in the racing community. The controversy erupted after the texts, reportedly exchanged among NASCAR’s leadership, described Childress in derogatory terms, sparking strong frustrations within Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and raising concerns about NASCAR’s attitude toward team owners.
Childress Reacts to Offensive Messages Following Testimony
After testifying in a high-profile trial, Richard Childress faced pointed questions about the derogatory texts sent by Steve Phelps. The messages, which referred to Childress as a “stupid redneck” and other offensive names, have drawn significant attention from both legal circles and the racing world. While Childress is recognized for his outspoken nature, he chose not to comment publicly during the courthouse exchange.
“Richard Childress has concluded his testimony. Afterwards, outside the courthouse, when I asked if he had anything to say regarding what Steve Phelps said about him in unearthed text messages, Childress declined comment.”
— Jordan Bianchi, Reporter, The Athletic
Although Phelps had apologized to Childress weeks prior to the public disclosure, the insult-laden messages were not entered as evidence, with legal counsel determining they would add more drama than clarity to the ongoing antitrust case against NASCAR.
More Than Just Harsh Language: Severity of Phelps’s Comments
Phelps’s texts did not stop at calling Childress a “stupid redneck.” The communication escalated in severity, suggesting punitive action against Childress and questioning his contributions to motorsports. The words used reflected longstanding frustrations and divisions between NASCAR executives and prominent team owners.
“needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar [sic].”
— Steve Phelps, NASCAR Commissioner, as revealed in text message
These sentiments have been condemned by Childress’s organization, sparking outrage beyond the courtroom and serving as a focal point in the current dispute between corporate leadership and those responsible for building the sport’s legacy.
“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,”
— RCR Team Statement
The statement further expressed frustration over how certain NASCAR executives appear to have treated longstanding team owners and emphasized their importance to the sport and its supporting stakeholders.
Legal Options and Potential Impact on NASCAR
The developments have prompted Richard Childress and RCR to weigh a possible defamation lawsuit in addition to ongoing antitrust proceedings involving NASCAR. Legal experts observe that, should Childress proceed, more internal communications among NASCAR executives may be exposed in court, potentially painting a broader picture of the organization’s internal culture regarding its most valuable partners and contributors.
If Childress moves forward with Richard Childress legal action NASCAR may face heightened scrutiny, both regarding the content of executive communications and the overall treatment of its key figures and teams. Industry insiders expect this incident to remain under discussion, with the next steps likely to impact the sport’s leadership structure, future lawsuits, and the trust between NASCAR’s governing body and team owners moving forward.
Richard Childress has concluded his testimony. Afterwards, outside the courthouse, when I asked if he had anything to say regarding what Steve Phelps said about him in unearthed text messages, Childress declined comment.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) December 9, 2025
