NASCAR Faces Fan Backlash as Steve Phelps’ Texts Surface

NASCAR President Steve Phelps has come under intense scrutiny following the leak of private messages that reveal his disparaging comments about veteran team owner Richard Childress. In a series of texts, Phelps referred to Childress using offensive language, sparking outrage among fans who are now calling for his resignation from the organization.

The leaked conversations, which surfaced on social media, reflect Phelps’ frustration during a tense period of negotiations around charter extensions and the economic structure of NASCAR. Fans reacted swiftly, with many expressing disbelief that Phelps could maintain his position after making such derogatory remarks. One fan articulated the general sentiment, stating, “In no sane universe does Steve Phelps talk that way about Richard Childress and get to keep his job.”

The controversy traces back to a discussion Childress had on SiriusXM NASCAR in 2023, where he critiqued the charter negotiations and questioned the financial viability of NASCAR’s Next Gen model. He emphasized the disparity in costs, noting he could build 14 former Cup cars for the price of assembling just seven Next Gen cars.

During that same year, Phelps exchanged text messages with Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s Chief Media & Revenue Officer, as they navigated the complexities of the broadcast-rights landscape. In a series of messages shared by sports journalist Bob Pockrass, Phelps labeled Childress a “dinosaur” and suggested he should sell his charter if he was unhappy with the state of NASCAR.

Fans were quick to voice their indignation, with one asserting, “He better not keep his job. If he does, we boycott.” Another fan expressed a more aggressive sentiment, stating, “He would be lucky if he gets to keep his teeth,” reflecting the strong loyalty many have for Childress and his contributions to the sport.

Phelps’ comments included phrases such as “Childress is an idiot” and “he’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR,” further inflaming the situation. The backlash intensified as fans pointed out the historical significance of Childress’ role in NASCAR, particularly with the iconic black #3 car, which has deep roots in the sport’s legacy.

Despite the backlash, sources indicated that Phelps had informed Childress about the impending leak before it happened. He characterized his remarks as expressions of raw frustration during a challenging negotiation period.

As the situation evolves, fans continue to rally for accountability, with many insisting that such behavior is unacceptable for a leader in the sport. The call for Phelps’ resignation raises broader questions about leadership and respect within NASCAR, as well as the ongoing dynamics between NASCAR and the Race Team Alliance (RTA), of which Childress is a member.

The fallout from these comments highlights not only individual accountability but also the need for clear communication and respect among the sport’s leadership and its foundational figures. As fans and stakeholders await Phelps’ response, the future of his role within NASCAR hangs in the balance.