As the antitrust trial between NASCAR and Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports approaches, a number of documents have come to light. In one of those documents it reveals that then (2023) NASCAR president Steve Phelps referred to Richard Childress (the owner of Richard Childress Racing) as a “redneck”.
Considering possible legal action, Richard Childress Racing has issued a statement saying, “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.”
Currently RCR fields two full time cars in both the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series – grandson Austin Dillon in the Cup Series three car, Kyle Busch in the Cup Series eight car, Jesse Love in the number two O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Austin Hill in the 21 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series car.