Childress 'contemplating legal action' after inflammatory messages

Richard Childress. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Richard Childress 'contemplating legal action' after release of inflammatory messages

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Nov 24, 2025 5:20 PM ET

After it was revealed that NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps said that NASCAR team owner Richard Childress was a "stupid redneck" that needed "to be taken out back in flogged" in a 2023 text message, Childress and Richard Childress Racing are contemplating legal action.

Childress, 80, has been a NASCAR team owner since 1969. Phelps' message was revealed as part of the ongoing anti-trust case between 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports in NASCAR. Phelps sent the message as an expression of frustration after Childress gave an interview to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio in August 2023.

RCR says it is contemplating legal action over the comments in the recently released text exchange between Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst. pic.twitter.com/BcJ1sbIPd9
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 24, 2025

"RCR and Richard Childress are deeply disappointed by the insensitive and defamatory statements made about Mr. Childress in recently surfaced text messages between NASCAR executives Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst," Richard Childress Racing said in a statement. "These comments reflect the ways NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have devoted their lives to strengthening the sport for its fans, its sponsors, and all who compete in it. RCR and Richard Childress are equally disappointed for the NASCAR fans, with whom Mr. Childress closely identifies given his humble and hard-working background."

The team then went on to say that "legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel."

The trial in the anti-trust case between 23XI/FRM and NASCAR is set for Dec. 1.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

More must-reads: