NASCAR is facing one of its most tense moments in years after new leaked text messages pushed long-running frustrations into the public eye. Veteran driver Kenny Wallace says the sport is now in the worst shape he has seen in his career. In a recent “Coffee with Kenny” video, he pointed to private messages from NASCAR Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst that mocked Richard Childress, the owner of Richard Childress Racing.
The texts surfaced through the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Wallace said the tone and the personal nature of the messages show how far the relationship between NASCAR leadership and major teams has fallen.
Leaked Texts Trigger Major Tension Inside the Sport
The leaked texts revealed harsh language aimed at Richard Childress. According to the lawsuit documents, Phelps and Herbst called Childress a “stupid redneck,” a “dinosaur,” and an “ass-clown” who should be “taken out back and flogged.” Wallace read the messages out loud in his video, saying the situation was serious and painful to watch. “I’ve never seen NASCAR in this bad of shape,” he said. “The RCR drama… It’s heartbreaking.”
Wallace also noted Childress’s long history in the sport, saying he is “worth a couple hundred million dollars, every dollar associated with NASCAR in some fashion.” The comments have reportedly left Childress angry and looking at defamation options. People close to RCR say the organization is reviewing possible legal steps while continuing its racing operations with drivers Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon.
The leaks have also pushed fans into the conversation. Many have expressed frustration about how leading figures spoke about one of the sport’s most respected team owners. The intensity of the reaction has added pressure on NASCAR as it prepares for the courtroom battle ahead.
Kenny Wallace Calls for Direct Action From NASCAR Leadership
In his video, Kenny Wallace laid out what he believes needs to happen to repair the damage. He said NASCAR’s top leaders must meet with Childress face-to-face. “First thing you have to do is get on your jet and fly up to Welcome, North Carolina,” he said. “Jim France needs to sit down with Richard Childress. And it would probably be best if Steve Phelps came along.” He also said any attempt to fix the situation should happen in public: “Damage control means having a press conference with everybody.”
Wallace then listed names he believes have a deep understanding of the sport’s history, including Tony Stewart, Rusty Wallace, and Ray Evernham. He also suggested that NASCAR should “offer Dale Jr. the job” of president if Phelps were to step aside, adding, “NASCAR will soar.”
What Comes Next as the Antitrust Trial Approaches
The concerns come as NASCAR gets ready for the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports antitrust trial, scheduled to begin on December 1 in Charlotte. Wallace warned that the result could reshape the entire sport. “If NASCAR loses and gets broken up,” he said, “the whole sport of stock car racing is f**ked.”
As the trial approaches, NASCAR faces a choice: handle the conflict privately or take public steps to address the concerns raised by teams and fans. The outcome may decide how the sport moves forward and whether Kenny Wallace’s warning becomes a turning point in its long history.
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