Overview
- Court filings disclose 2023 texts in which Steve Phelps called Richard Childress a “stupid redneck,” said he should be “taken out back and flogged,” and labeled him an “idiot.”
- The messages were sent to NASCAR executive Brian Herbst during an August 2023 owner meeting tied to charter extensions and future broadcast rights discussions.
- The texts entered the public record through discovery in the 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports antitrust case but were excluded from jurors as too inflammatory.
- Public reaction has escalated with fans and commentators urging accountability, while additional leaks cite dismissive comments about fans and earlier barbs at the rival SRX series.
- Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass reported Phelps spoke with Childress before publication to address the remarks, and no leadership changes have been announced as the lawsuit proceeds.