NASCAR leadership is facing heavy pushback after leaked court documents showed Steve Phelps, who served as President from October 2018 until becoming Commissioner in March 2025, used harsh words toward longtime team owner Richard Childress. The then-NASCAR president called Richard Childress a “stupid redneck” and said he “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”
The messages spread quickly and created a wave of anger among fans who felt the comments showed a break from the values that helped shape the sport.
The backlash grew as more leaked messages came out, and many fans said they felt disrespected by the tone of the private conversations.
Fan Anger Grows After Leaked Comments
The reaction became even stronger when another leaked message showed an unnamed insider saying, “NASCAR fans don’t all read.” Fans viewed the remark as another sign that leadership was out of touch.
Another 10-page document featured messages between Jeff Dickerson and an unnamed person discussing a podcast appearance, talking points, whether Heather Gibbs is a “plant,” and how Dickerson’s appearance on “Business of Motorsports” would torpedo the negotiations.
The… pic.twitter.com/6iiR8EUhKv— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) November 22, 2025
Melany C. Aylor said, “As a NASCAR fan that DOES read, I’ve consumed A LOT over the past 24 hours. I have a whole new perspective of Actions Detrimental.” Another fan, Garrett, repeated his frustration. He said, “‘Our fans don’t all read’ between this and the comments about RC, I’m on the verge of never watching the sport again. Sickening that leadership speaks of its fans and owners like this.”
Some pointed to what they believe the texts show about NASCAR’s goals. PockrassPicks said, “NASCAR doesn’t care about the fans, drivers, owners, or growing the sport. NASCAR cares about control. That’s what all of these released texts have shown over and over again.”
Jeremy Mayfield gave one of the strongest responses. “Phelps & Steve O dissing RC isn’t just out of line, it shows exactly how far this sport has drifted from who built it… U don’t disrespect a man who’s done more 4 NASCAR accidentally than they’ve done on purpose.”
Even those who often disagree with Childress spoke up. Glazer wrote, “I dislike Childress as much as the next guy but he’s done more for nascar than any of these 3 and to say something like this about one of your sports current owners is.”
A NASCAR historian, Bob Ellis, added, “Man, this does not sit well with me… NASCAR’s wealth is also a direct result of Richard Childress and other car owners and drivers… without them, there would be no NASCAR.”
The reactions weren’t just emotional outbursts; they reflected a deeper fear that leadership no longer understands the culture that made stock-car racing what it is.
For many longtime observers, the comments exposed a widening rift between the executives shaping NASCAR’s future and the people who carried its past.
Fans Point to NASCAR’s Cultural Roots
Another message summed up the shock. They said, “Dawg NASCAR is so comically evil they’re making people support Richard Childress.” Someone else wrote, “I hope Richard Childress takes off his watch next time he sees Phelps… Phelps is the kind of ‘violence is not the answer’ limber backed sissy that has ruined all of the blue collar vibe of Nascar.”
Catch the fence added “Richard Childress was building cars and racing cars in NASCAR when Steve Phelps was falling off the monkey bars on his elementary school playground.”
The reactions showed an unusual unity, with fans rallying behind someone they rarely support. It highlighted how quickly old rivalries fade when fans feel the sport’s core values are under threat.
Why the Leaks Appeared in the Court Case
The messages became public through the discovery process in the antitrust lawsuit between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. NASCAR was required to turn over emails, text messages, and internal documents linked to charter talks and competition issues. The teams claimed NASCAR used its power to pressure them and to limit outside competitors. Because of those claims, the texts were added as exhibits to show intent and strategy, making them part of the public court record.
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