Text messages unsealed as part of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports antitrust lawsuit revealed NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps calling legendary team owner Richard Childress a “stupid redneck” who needs to be “taken out back and flogged” during 2023 charter negotiations.
The Messages That Shocked The NASCAR Fraternity
Kenny Wallace couldn’t believe what he read on his Coffee with Kenny podcast. He kept stopping and asking “Should I repeat that?” before reading Phelps’ exact words. The texts between Phelps and then Chief Media & Revenue Officer Brian Herbst occurred during an August 2023 meeting with team owners.
Phelps wrote: “Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.” The commissioner didn’t stop there, later adding “Did I mention that Childress is an idiot? If he’s that angry sign your charter extension and sell. He’s not smart, is a dinosaur, and a malcontent. He’s worth a couple hundred million dollars, every dollar associated with NASCAR in some fashion. Total ass clown.”
What Triggered the Meltdown From Steve Phelps
The texts came after Childress appeared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio criticizing the Next Gen car economics and questioning who would benefit from a new media deal. Childress pointed out he could build 14 former Cup cars for the cost of seven Next Gen cars. When asked if a new media package would be positive, he simply responded “For who?”
That honest assessment sent Phelps into a private texting rage during the charter meeting. Herbst responded with laughing emojis and brief agreement according to court filings.
Racing Community Reacts To Steve Phelps’ Controversial Texts
Former driver Jeremy Mayfield fired back on social media, writing “If it weren’t for ‘stupid’ rednecks, those ‘suits’ wouldn’t have a job.” He added that Phelps’ comments “show exactly how far this sport has drifted from who built it” and that NASCAR shouldn’t “disrespect a man who’s done more for NASCAR accidentally than they’ve done on purpose.”
Mark Martin expressed disappointment, stating fans should be able to “get more of what they love” instead of NASCAR executives attacking team owners behind closed doors. Reporter Bob Pockrass noted that Phelps contacted Childress before the messages became public to say he didn’t mean what he wrote, but the damage was done.
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