The Richard Childress NASCAR controversy deepened this week as a prominent former sponsor publicly called for NASCAR President Steve Phelps’ resignation, citing offensive remarks made about Childress. The statement from Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, emerged amid a turbulent jury trial embroiling NASCAR’s management and teams.
Tensions Rise in NASCAR During Critical Legal Proceedings
Ongoing legal challenges from Jeffery Kessler and his team have put NASCAR’s leadership under intense scrutiny. Hopes were pinned on Jim France’s witness testimony to strengthen NASCAR’s case in recent courtroom developments. Instead, his words have unexpectedly shaken the organization’s confidence. Further complicating matters, Judge Kenneth Bell blocked the defense from using insights by FOX Sports’ Jordan Bazant to argue how competition from a rival racing series might injure NASCAR’s interests. Meanwhile, friction between teams and leadership remains high, culminating with public dissent from a respected figure linked to the sport’s legacy.
Bass Pro Shops Founder Publicly Backs Childress and Criticizes Phelps
After legendary driver Dale Earnhardt retired, Richard Childress brought him into his racing team, launching an era of impressive victories and championships. During this time, Bass Pro Shops became a key sponsor, firmly cementing its association with both Childress and NASCAR. While the partnership continues today, the close bond has motivated founder Johnny Morris to speak out when Childress’ reputation has been challenged.
Johnny Morris released a detailed statement after group text chains, allegedly containing disparaging comments about Childress from Steve Phelps, came to light. The message, shared by Bob Pockrass, declared the remarks “shockingly offensive and false.” Morris criticized Phelps’ actions and those of his allies as a disservice to NASCAR and its community, emphasizing the inappropriateness of attacking a respected NASCAR stalwart like Childress.
In his statement, Morris compared the incident to how similar conduct would be viewed in other major sports such as Baseball. He implied that derogatory comments from a commissioner about one of a sport’s distinguished figures would not be tolerated for long. Drawing a firm line on leadership, Morris stated:
“Such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!”
– Johnny Morris, Founder, Bass Pro Shops
The fallout from these public comments has exacerbated already existing divisions within NASCAR. Morris’s objections center on the language Phelps reportedly used, arguing that such disrespect undermines the foundations and history of the sport.
Calls for Unity Amid Fractures in the NASCAR Community
Although Morris delivered a stern rebuke, he reiterated his respect for the France family, who laid the groundwork for modern NASCAR. He recognized the pain fans and teams feel amidst the ongoing discord, and pleaded for compromise, urging the sport’s stakeholders to work together.:
“dig deep and strive hard for compromise.”
– Johnny Morris, Founder, Bass Pro Shops
He closed his comments with an appeal for the future. Morris asked the organization to prioritize growth and attracting new fans, but warned that these efforts should never come at the expense of the pioneers and loyal supporters who helped establish NASCAR’s identity.
Potential Impacts on NASCAR’s Future Leadership and Culture
The statement from one of NASCAR’s most iconic sponsors couldn’t have arrived at a more sensitive moment, with management already embroiled in a complex trial and the community divided. How the leadership responds—both to the controversy and to the demand for change—will likely influence the organization’s legitimacy with teams, sponsors, and fans in the months ahead. The Richard Childress NASCAR controversy has highlighted the tension between tradition and leadership, with a respected sponsor’s public call for accountability adding new urgency to the debate over NASCAR’s direction and values.
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
