NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Resigns After Text Messages Calling Richard Childress A “Redneck” Were Revealed
On Dec. 11, 2025, a settlement was reached in the lawsuit filed against NASCAR by sports legend Michael Jordan, who is co-owner with Denny Hamlin of 23XI Racing.
Through the lawsuit, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports had called for $365 million in damages as the racing teams disagreed with NASCAR on its charter renewal terms, noting that only a quarter of teams in the sport were able to turn a profit.
Through the settlement (the financial terms for which will not be disclosed to the public), charters for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were made permanent.
However, while the trial was settled, evidence shared in the discovery process led to NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps being scrutinized.
Text messages reportedly exchanged by Phelps with top NASCAR officials found the commissioner — who was promoted in 2025 from president of NASCAR to be the first commissioner of the organization — speaking disparagingly of racing team owner Richard Childress.
One text by Phelps read, “Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar.”
Another read, “If he’s that angry (and apparently he is) sign your charter extension and sell. He’s not smart, is a dinosaur, and a malcontent. He’s worth a couple hundred million dollars – every dollar associated with nascar in some fashion. Total a**-clown.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Phelps announced his resignation as commissioner of NASCAR, with Phelps set to exit at the end of the month.
His resignation follows a stern letter written by Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, which stated that Phelps’ views, as seen in his text messages, as well as those shared by some of his associates, are a “threat to the very integrity of the sport.”
Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris’ Letter To NASCAR
These texts led Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, who is a devoted fan of NASCAR, to write a letter calling for the removal of Phelps as commissioner.
This letter was written on Dec. 10. The next day, NASCAR settled its lawsuit with Michael Jordan.
Starting his letter by noting he has been a fan of NASCAR since he was seven years old, Johnny Morris went on to write in his Dec. 10 letter, “[Bass Pro Shops] has become a proud sponsor of NASCAR, a sport that resonates deeply not only with our own Outfitters, but with our core customer base – America’s 180 million outdoor enthusiasts and 60 million hunters and anglers.”
Morris added that it is a “source of pride” to have sponsored NASCAR and Richard Childress.
From there, he then wrote that Richard is “a great leader, a fierce competitor and a passionate advocate for outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists,” as well as “a true American patriot.”
Turning to Steve Phelps’ text messages, Morris wrote:
“As I write this today, way too many of my fellow teammates, our valued customers, our independent dealers and respected members of the conservation and military communities… are outraged by how Richard and his family have been treated by some senior NASCAR leaders.”
Continuing, Morris wrote, “We are extremely upset by the recent disclosure of shockingly offensive and false criticisms of Richard by the Commissioner of NASCAR Steve Phelps.”
Writing strongly, Morris said, “The commissioner has repeatedly labeled Richard as ‘an idiot,’ a ‘dinosaur,’ ‘a stupid redneck’ and a ‘clown’ … The commissioner, in all his rant, has only managed to bring discredit to himself and the sport.”
Further, Morris wrote:
“We can’t help but wonder what would happen if Major League Baseball brought in a new commissioner and he or she trash talked one of the true legends who built the game like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth? Such blatant disrespect would probably not sit well with the fans – such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!”
Concluding his letter, Morris said, “One thing is for certain, as the leaders of NASCAR seek to grow the sport and attract new generations of fans, they must never turn their back on, or abandon, the true pioneers and especially fans who form the foundation of the sport we love.”
Read Johnny Morris’ full letter, here:
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris: “… the commissioner’s recently revealed contempt for Richard Childress makes it abundantly clear that he and his lieutenants are not capable of being fair and objective when it comes to impartially enforcing the rules and regulations…” pic.twitter.com/ThoQ4BfwTx
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 11, 2025
Steve Phelps’ Resignation Statement
In a Jan. 6 statement, Steve Phelps announced his resignation, saying:
“As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR’s first Commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities and firsts over my 20 years. Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees.”
He added, “It has been an honor to help synthesize the enthusiasm of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of new entrants to our ecosystem, such as media partners, auto manufacturers, track operators, and incredible racing talent.”
According to the Associated Press, Phelps has expressed that he will be venturing toward “new pursuits in sports and other industries” and thanked the France family, which founded NASCAR, as well as fans and others who have “played such an important and motivational role in my career.”
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