Newly released text messages between some of NASCAR’s top executives are sending shockwaves through the industry, prompting one team to consider legal action.
Exchanged messages from NASCAR executives filed as exhibits in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports were revealed.
Fear Over Superstar Racing Experience
Amongst the previously disclosed messages were comments from current NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell and NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps. The two expressed their displeasure with NASCAR drivers competing in the now defunct Superstar Racing Experience (SRX).
“This is NASCAR. Pure and simple. Enough. We need legal to take a shot at this.” O’Donnell said after discovering Denny Hamlin would compete in a SRX event at Stafford Speedway, an event the driver actually ended up winning.
“These guys are just plain stupid,” Phelps responded. “Need to put a knife in this trash series.”
Some interesting texts revealed tonight … the text reaction of Phelps and O’Donnell when they found out Denny Hamlin was running SRX … (tonight is the deadline for redacted exhibits to be filed for exhibits used in the summary judgment rulings). pic.twitter.com/EE6WURbibY
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 22, 2025
Smaller Teams “Suck Up Your Resources”
Additionally, some messages from 2022 unveiled internal thoughts regarding the smaller teams and resources. Specifically, comments from NASCAR Senior VP of Competition Scott Miller and EVP Chief Racing Development Officer turned heads.
“Spire and Front Row may be ‘helpable’ but Ware and McCloud are already on Gov teet. they’ll just make more babies LOL,” Miller said.
Former race car driver, Morris Coffman, reposted the thread about the smaller teams on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his disappointment for the comments from the sanctioning body.
“This is an awful look for NASCAR,” he said. “Small teams have always ben the backbone of racing – and always will be. When (if) this deal goes to trial, NASCAR may need a ‘lucky dog’.”
This is an awful look for NASCAR. Small teams have always been the backbone of racing – and always will be.
When (if) this deal goes to trial, NASCAR may need a “lucky dog”. pic.twitter.com/mlN4Ypm4MG
— Morris Coffman (@MorrisCoffman14) November 22, 2025
Comments About Richard Childress
But, the thread of messages that are making major headlines regard long-time team owner Richard Childress.
In an exchange of messages from 2023 between Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst—NASCAR’s EVP and Chief Media & Revenue Officer—the two made derogatory comments about Childress. Phelps’ comments in particular raised some eyebrows, saying the team owner of over five decades “needs to be taken out back and flogged.” He then called him “a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar.”
In an exhibit of texts that the jury won’t get to see because would be used more as inflammatory are some texts showing Steve Phelps frustration over things Richard Childress said in August 2023. Texts are to VP Brian Herbst during/following a meeting (believe with some teams): pic.twitter.com/wWx6mAVuxY
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 22, 2025
These comments came after Childress made an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. In his appearance, he shared thoughts on the state of the charter negotiations. He also discussed the state of the Gen 7 cars. These comments, clearly, didn’t sit well with NASCAR leadership.
Another Potential Lawsuit?
Monday, Richard Childress Racing issued a statement in response to the insensitive text messages. Of note, the team shared they are considering legal action.
“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. These comments reflect the way certain 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.
“Mr. Childress and the organization will issue no further statements regarding these or other defamatory text messages that have recently surfaced, as legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel.”
So, is another potential lawsuit with NASCAR brewing?
Only time will tell. In the meantime, all eyes will be on the federal antitrust trial between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorspots. The trial is set to being on Monday, December 1.
