The NASCAR community is facing turbulence after the retirement of commissioner Steve Phelps, which followed a series of controversial incidents, including disparaging remarks about Hall of Famer Richard Childress during ongoing charter negotiations. Amid widespread criticism, Dale Earnhardt Jr. defends Phelps, acknowledging the mistakes made but emphasizing his respect for the former commissioner’s legacy and his efforts within the sport.
Shock Waves After Steve Phelps Announces Retirement
The announcement of Steve Phelps deciding to step down as commissioner after more than twenty years with NASCAR took many in the motorsports world by surprise. Phelps’ departure is linked to the fallout from a charter lawsuit and his allegedly disrespectful comments toward Richard Childress, a recognized veteran and closely-held figure in the sport. The remarks were seen as an unfortunate conclusion to a long, dedicated career and left the official’s reputation under scrutiny.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Addresses the Controversy
As criticism swirled, Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to his podcast to offer his perspective, balancing disappointment over Phelps’ private comments about Richard Childress with strong support for his character. Earnhardt Jr. made it clear that, although the incident hurt those who admire Childress—including himself due to family ties—he still sees Phelps as a fundamentally good person guided by positive intentions in a high-pressure environment. He shared his personal connection to Childress, describing how both their families and careers have long been intertwined.
“I don’t mind telling you that I think Phelps is a great dude. know what he said about Richard Childress is not cool, I didn’t like it, I don’t think that was a good thing to say about Richard. No matter what you think about Richard Childress, Richard is near family to me. I grew up in his shop, my dad drove his racecars, and we’ve got a connection and a bond unique to a lot of other people in the industry.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
Ownership of Mistakes and Moving Forward
While Earnhardt Jr. did not excuse Phelps’ actions, he argued that lapses in judgment can happen in private conversations—especially for public figures facing immense stress and scrutiny. He pointed out the difference between regrettable private remarks and a person’s overall contribution to the sport, adding that Phelps has accepted responsibility for his comments. Throughout his remarks, Earnhardt Jr. was candid about the error, expressing both empathy for Childress and recognition that Phelps’s apology and accountability matter moving forward.
“I didn’t appreciate what Phelps said about him, and I would tell that to Phelps and Phelps would agree it was a dumb thing to say. We’ve all said things in messages that we would prefer people not to see but if you’re a guy in Phelps’ position, you can’t f**king say that sh*t in a text message. That was a mistake on his own part. He’s owned it from what I can tell, and Steve Phelps will land on his feet.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Phelps’ Leadership and Difficult Charter Negotiations
During the same podcast, Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the broader impact of Steve Phelps throughout his tenure at NASCAR. He highlighted Phelps’ guidance through pivotal moments in the sport and was outspoken about his belief that, despite recent missteps, Phelps worked for the betterment of NASCAR and its teams during tough charter negotiations. Earnhardt Jr. predicted pushback for defending Phelps, but maintained his position, highlighting the ex-commissioner’s commitment and legacy.
“He’s a good dude, and he’s done some great things in our sport. He’s shepherded our sport through some tough times, and I’ll know I’ll catch some sh*t for that, but I don’t give a sh*t, this is what I believe. …”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Furthermore, Earnhardt Jr. asserted that both Steve Phelps and NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell fought on behalf of race teams during the charter dispute trial, working to reach favorable outcomes for those representing the engine of the sport. He clarified that while their efforts may not have resulted in full team satisfaction—highlighting the difficult balance officials face—they should not be dismissed due to one individual’s inappropriate remarks.
“If y’all were paying attention during the trial, we all learned that both Phelps and O’Donnell were actually trying to get the teams what they freaking wanted. Aside from what Phelps said about Richard, Phelps and O’Donnell were kind of working to get everything right. I mean, f**k.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Reactions from the NASCAR Community
While many insiders agree that Phelps’ actions in messaging were misguided, Earnhardt Jr.’s public statements suggest an understanding among industry veterans about mistakes made under pressure. The recent legal battle, including the high-profile 23XI-FRM lawsuit, illustrated the complexity of balancing organizational authority with the interests of the garage, shop, and teams. Even those critical of Phelps acknowledge his broad influence and leadership, while the departure of Steve Phelps leaves questions about future leadership for NASCAR during a challenging and transitional period.
Significance of Earnhardt Jr.’s Defense and What Lies Ahead
Dale Earnhardt Jr. defending Phelps after public backlash demonstrates the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and personal accountability within NASCAR. The situation calls attention to the tension between private conversations and public responsibility, especially for figures who shape the sport behind the scenes. As NASCAR prepares for changes in leadership, Phelps’ record and Earnhardt Jr.’s vocal support highlight how respect, criticism, and forgiveness can coexist amid heated controversies. Speculation persists that Steve Phelps will find a new opportunity elsewhere in sports, with his contributions and missteps shaping his ongoing legacy in racing culture.
