Richard Childress Racing has announced it is contemplating legal action against NASCAR over defamatory text messages sent by former NASCAR President Steve Phelps and Chief Revenue Officer Brian Herbst. The leaked texts, revealed during discovery in the 23XI Racing antitrust lawsuit, showed Phelps calling Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress a “stupid redneck” and suggesting he be “taken out back and flogged.” RCR’s official statement, released November 25, 2025, made clear the legendary organization won’t tolerate what it calls years of disrespectful treatment from NASCAR executives toward team owners who built the sport.
RCR’s Official Statement: “Deeply Disappointed”
Richard Childress Racing issued a measured but powerful statement addressing the scandal:
“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. These comments reflect the way certain NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have devoted their lives to strengthening the sport for its fans, its sponsors, and all who compete in it.”
The statement continued with perhaps the most damaging accusation: that this isn’t isolated behavior, but representative of how NASCAR leadership has “historically viewed and treated many team owners” who dedicated decades to the sport.
What the Texts Revealed: Shocking Contempt?
The leaked text exchanges from 2023 showed then-NASCAR President Steve Phelps venting to Brian Herbst after Richard Childress publicly questioned NASCAR’s media deal and criticized the cost of the NASCAR Next Gen Car program.
Phelps’ exact words about Childress:
- “needs to be taken out back and flogged”
- “stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR”
- “an idiot… a dinosaur… a malcontent… total ass-clown”
For a Hall of Fame team owner who has fielded competitive cars since 1969 and won six Cup Series championships (including Dale Earnhardt’s six titles with RCR), these texts represented more than just insults — they were evidence of institutional disrespect.
Legal Action: Why RCR Has a Case
RCR’s statement ended with a clear threat:
“Mr. Childress and the organization will issue no further statements regarding these or other defamatory text messages that have recently surfaced, as legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel.”
The phrase “or other defamatory text messages” suggests more damaging communications may exist beyond what’s already public.
Potential legal claims:
- Defamation: Public release of texts damaged Childress’ reputation
- Tortious interference: Comments could harm RCR’s sponsor relationships
- Emotional distress: Pattern of executive hostility created hostile environment
- Breach of fiduciary duty: NASCAR executives have obligation to treat team owners fairly
The Bigger Picture: Institutional Disrespect
What makes RCR’s statement so powerful is this line:
“These comments reflect the way certain NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have devoted their lives to strengthening the sport.”
That’s not just about Richard Childress. That’s RCR saying NASCAR leadership has a systemic problem with how it treats the very people who make the sport possible.
NASCAR Fans Rally Behind Childress
Social media exploded with support for RCR. Former driver Jeremy Mayfield posted: “If it weren’t for ‘stupid’ rednecks those ‘suits’ wouldn’t have a job,” echoing the sentiment that NASCAR’s corporate leadership has forgotten its blue-collar roots.
Reddit threads calling for Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell to be “out of the sport forever” gained thousands of upvotes, with NASCAR fans arguing the texts prove leadership has “forgotten its roots”.