Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops and prominent conservationist, has voiced strong criticism against NASCAR following controversial remarks about Richard Childress, a respected NASCAR figure. The Richard Childress NASCAR controversy erupted after it was revealed in court that NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps insulted Childress in an August 2023 text exchange with Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s then-Chief Media & Revenue Officer.
Bass Pro Shops Condemns Commissioner’s Comments
According to information from court proceedings, Steve Phelps referred to the 80-year-old NASCAR Hall of Famer as a “stupid redneck” last year. This revelation has sparked significant backlash from key figures and fans alike. Johnny Morris, speaking through an official statement on behalf of Bass Pro Shops, made the company’s position unequivocally clear:
“We are extremely upset by the recent disclosure of shockingly offensive and false criticisms of Richard by the Commissioner of NASCAR Steve Phelps. For the Commissioner and his allies, to attack one of the pillars of the sport is incredibly irresponsible and a disservice to everyone involved in NASCAR and its partners, sponsors and fans.”
– Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops
Morris highlighted the broader implications of the comments, emphasizing Childress’s influence within motorsports and others sectors:
“What Mr. Phelps may or may not be aware of is the fact that in attacking Richard Childress, the racing legend, he is also attacking one of the most respected leaders in America’s conservation community,”
he further added. – Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as Bass Pro Shops has maintained a longstanding partnership with Richard Childress Racing, dating back to 1998 with the sponsorship of Dale Earnhardt’s number 3 Chevrolet. The companies continue their alliance, which has played a significant role in NASCAR for over two decades.
Fan Community Reacts to the NASCAR Scandal
The disclosure of Phelps’ message and Morris’s subsequent condemnation drew widespread response from fans and observers concerned about the sport’s future. One fan commented on the crucial sponsorship role Bass Pro Shops holds in the Cup Series:
“This is not a good look for NASCAR, Bass Pro Shops sponsored probably 45 cup race cars in 2025.”
– Fan
Voicing worries about the increasing influence of sponsors amid internal disputes, another individual remarked:
“The teams getting all kinds of unexpected help.”
– Fan
The possibility of Bass Pro Shops severing ties with NASCAR caused additional unrest:
“If NASCAR loses Bass Pro Shops as a sponsor, that domino fall will speed up faster than a Talladega three wide,”
a fan commented. – Fan
Highlighting corporate discontent and calls for change, another voiced:
“A sponsor, one that sponsors 36 races a year and an entire race, calling for the removal of NASCAR’s president is not a good look,”
added another.
“It’s time for Phelps to step down.”
– Fan
Some in the community paid tribute to Morris and Childress’s reputations while lamenting NASCAR’s current challenges:
“God broke the mold when he made John Morris and Richard Childress,”
someone wrote.
“True men with integrity, class, and passion. NASCAR is on the verge of collapsing in on itself. Sad days are ahead race fans.”
– Fan
Another reflection drew attention to the high stakes surrounding sponsorship agreements:
“This is a major shot across the bow. They just told nascar to clean up its act if it wants the checks to keep coming in,”
another fan typed. – Fan
Richard Childress Addresses New Charter Agreement
Amid ongoing legal debates within NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing recently became one of several teams signing the 2025 charter agreement. Childress, however, admitted reluctance behind his decision, revealing that concerns over keeping his teams financially secure influenced his commitment to the agreement.
Charters are designed to add long-term value for teams participating in the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite supporting this concept, Childress expressed misgivings about the current business model’s sustainability:
“I would like for it (Richard Childress Racing) to be running 60 years from now, but with this current business model we can’t do it,”
Richard Childress said. – Richard Childress, Team Owner
He further explained the vulnerability his team faced and why signing the agreement was necessary:
“I knew financially I couldn’t lose my Charter,”
he continued.
“We are a blue-collar operation and proud of it. If we didn’t sign the Charter agreement in 2024, we would have lost them.”
– Richard Childress, Team Owner
The negotiations surrounding NASCAR charters are expected to conclude soon, with significant implications for how the Cup Series will operate in the future. Attention now turns to the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, scheduled for February 1, 2026, where observers will look for signs of how recent turbulence might influence the direction of the sport.
The Richard Childress NASCAR controversy serves as a reminder of the vital relationships between teams, sponsors, and NASCAR leadership, as tensions rise and key stakeholders call for accountability and reform.
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris: “… the commissioner’s recently revealed contempt for Richard Childress makes it abundantly clear that he and his lieutenants are not capable of being fair and objective when it comes to impartially enforcing the rules and regulations…” pic.twitter.com/ThoQ4BfwTx
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 11, 2025
This is not a good look for NASCAR, Bass Pro Shops sponsored probably 45 cup race cars in 2025.
— red ninja (@redninja77) December 11, 2025
The teams getting all kinds of unexpected help pic.twitter.com/v2CgsLzaj0
— Slice of Anime 🩵 (@TheSliceofAnime) December 11, 2025
If NASCAR loses Bass Pro Shops as a sponsor, that domino fall will speed up faster than a Talladega three wide
— That's So EZ Sports (@ThatsSoEZSports) December 11, 2025
A sponsor, one that sponsors 36 races a year and an entire race, calling for the removal of NASCAR’s president is not a good look. Its time for Phelps to step down
— Nick Asselin (@Nick_A95) December 11, 2025
God broke the mold when he made John Morris and Richard Childress. True men with integrity, class,and passion. @NASCAR is on the verge of collapsing in on itself. Sad days are ahead race fans.
— Daryl Oberacker (@doberacker) December 11, 2025
This is a major shot across the bow. They just told nascar to clean up it's act if it wants the checks to keep coming in.
— It's Trinton (@TrintonGL) December 11, 2025
