23XI, FRM vs. NASCAR trial: Steve Phelps admits 'not proud of' text message about Richard Childress during testimony

While the actual text messages couldn’t be shown in court, NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps was indirectly asked about his “stupid redneck” comments. Of course, those harsh words came at the expense of Richard Childress in a series of messages that were revealed over the course of litigation leading up to the trial.

Richard Childress is testifying today in the NASCAR trial following Steve Phelps. Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, found a way to bring up the infamous text messages. While they weren’t directly addressed, Phelps did admit to making a mistake.

“Steve Phelps was asked by Jeffrey Kessler if [he] had always shown respect in his texts/emails about team owners such as Richard Childress; Phelps said that ‘by and large, the answer is yes,’ but he had sent one text about Childress that he is ‘not proud of’ and had apologized for,” Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal reports.

Steve Phelps was asked by Jeffrey Kessler if had always shown respect in his texts/emails about team owners such as Richard Childress; Phelps said that "by and large, the answer is yes," but he had sent one text about Childress that he is "not proud of" and had apologized for.

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 9, 2025

Steve Phelps was asked about a variety of topics. He didn’t seem to know much about the track agreements. 23XI and Front Row’s attorneys are trying to show that the exclusivity agreements with the tracks are part of the alleged illegal behavior the sanctioning body uses to maintain its monopoly.

During his time on the stand, Phelps had to talk about his salary. As commissioner, he makes $2.5 million a year. He can earn an additional $2.5 million in bonuses. Phelps states that 75% of the nearly $400 million paid out to the France family between 2021 and 2024 went to taxes. The teams’ expert witness had brought up the large sum of money in his testimony on Monday.

Steve Phelps claims that Next Gen racing ‘is just better’

During his testimony on Tuesday, Steve Phelps made a couple of comments about the Next Gen car that rubbed some fans the wrong way. Of course, the Next Gen is highly touted by NASCAR leadership, but it hasn’t exactly been the perfect journey.

When asked about the car, Phelps considered it a success. He noted the racing the car puts on.

According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, Phelps backed the Next Gen car as a success. “The racing is just better, so it has accomplished what I hoped it would accomplish.”

A lot of fans would argue that it has not gotten better. The racing is as close as it has ever been. However, there are concerns over passing for the lead. Dirty air plays a major role in short tracks and road courses. Fuel-saving races at superspeedways are making some go insane six times a season.

Steve Phelps also defended the safety of the car in the NASCAR trial. “I believe this is the safest car in all of motorsports.” That is another comment that will be criticized by the public. Kurt Busch fans are going to do a double-take at that quote.