Following the release of text messages used as exhibits in 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports’ antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, Richard Childress and his team are considering legal action regarding comments made by former NASCAR president and current commissioner Steve Phelps.
In a statement from Richard Childress Racing, the team states that legal action is actively being “contemplated and discussed” for what they deem “insensitive and defamatory statements.”
These statements were found in a text chain exchanged between NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and EVP Brian Herbst following an appearance Childress made on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio in 2023.
In one key text, Phelps said in reference to Childress, “Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.”
In Monday’s statement, RCR claims that comments like these, “Reflect the way certain NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress.”
Since these messages went public, fans and drivers, such as Jeremy Mayfield, have spoken out in support of Childress. With Mayfield, who has had his own run-ins with NASCAR, saying in a post on X, “If it weren’t for ‘stupid’ rednecks, those ‘suits’ wouldn’t have a job.”
Many fans have cited Childress’ impact on the sport through his ownership of Dale Earnhardt’s iconic No. 3 as proof that his work as an owner has contributed to the sport’s overall growth.
For more information on the comments made about Childress, alongside comments made by others in the industry, make sure to check out the article linked below.
What’s Happening? Friday, documents, including messages from NASCAR officials and interteam communications, were unsealed as part of the ongoing lawsuit between…
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