Dale Earnhardt Jr. criticizes Phelps after a series of offensive texts from NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps about Richard Childress became public, sparking backlash and leading to Phelps’ resignation in January. Earnhardt, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, defended Childress as family, expressing disappointment at the comments and highlighting the deep personal bonds in the racing community.
Personal Attacks on Richard Childress Unveiled During Lawsuit
The controversy erupted amid a federal antitrust lawsuit brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. During the case’s discovery phase, text messages from Steve Phelps surfaced, painting Richard Childress in a derogatory light. Phelps allegedly described Childress as a
“stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR”
and a “total a— clown” who
“needs to be taken out back and flogged.”
These texts were revealed publicly in November 2025, causing immediate outrage across the NASCAR community.
Phelps faced mounting criticism as the messages circulated, with many within the sport viewing his words as unprofessional and deeply disrespectful. Ultimately, the intense fallout forced Phelps to step down from his position, with his resignation effective at the end of January. The scandal underscored tensions bubbling beneath the surface of stock car racing’s top ranks.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Defends Richard Childress and Condemns Comments
In his podcast, ‘The Dale Jr. Download,’ Dale Earnhardt Jr. directly addressed the incident and Steve Phelps’ role. He emphasized that the comments crossed a personal and professional line, highlighting his own lifelong relationship with Childress. Earnhardt’s father, the legendary driver Dale Earnhardt, captured six of his seven NASCAR Cup Series championships with Richard Childress Racing, forging a bond that extends beyond business.
“A lot of things came to light that a lot of people probably wish it hadn’t. That was unfortunate for NASCAR. A lot of dirt came out. Phelps is a great dude. I know what he said about Richard Childress is not cool. I didn’t like it. I don’t think that that was a good thing to say about Richard. No matter what you think about Richard Childress, he’s near family to me,”
Dale Jr. said. – Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
He continued, reaffirming his personal connection and lamenting the harshness of Phelps’ texts about Childress.
“I grew up in his shop, and my dad drove his race cars. I didn’t appreciate what Phelps said about him, and I would tell that to Phelps, and Phelps would agree that it was a dumb thing to say.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Phelps’ Resignation and the Legacy of NASCAR Relationships
The situation has prompted deeper conversations about respect, legacy, and professional conduct within NASCAR. The sting of Phelps’ words was magnified by the enduring influence of figures like Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt, whose on- and off-track relationships have shaped generations of racers and fans. The public fallout reminds the community of the intensity and emotional connections that define the sport.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares Thoughts on Tony Stewart’s Comeback
Amid the turbulence, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also discussed Tony Stewart’s upcoming return to NASCAR on his show. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer, is poised for a comeback at the 2026 Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway—his first race in the series since 2005, and his inaugural run at the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway in a truck.
“He picked the doozy. Damn goodness. The dude don’t get **** because now I wouldn’t have picked Daytona. I want to pick somewhere else. It must be writing him a nice check”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
The Truck Series opener at Daytona is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026. Stewart’s return adds another major storyline to a NASCAR season already packed with drama and uncertainty.
Phelps’ departure following his comments about Childress serves as a stark reminder of the lasting importance of respect and reputation in motorsports. With revered veterans like Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly defending cherished relationships and the next chapter of the Truck Series on the horizon, the NASCAR community remains on edge, anticipating what comes next in a sport built on both rivalry and family loyalty.
