NASCAR leadership calls Richard Childress 'stupid redneck' in lawsuit documents

Newly released documents in the NASCAR lawsuit have revealed very telling and sensitive messages about Richard Childress. Steve Phelps, as President of NASCAR at the time, and Brian Herbst, Vice President, had harsh words to say about the longtime team owner.

This is what a lawsuit brings, documents and private messages. Discovery. We all say things in private that we don’t want to get out. However, these are two NASCAR executives discussing business with each other. That context puts these messages in a different light, and it is one that has caused uproar online.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports went through the newly released documents. In an exhibit that is being withheld from the jury in this trial due to the “inflammatory” nature of he messages shows what NASCAR leadership thinks about Richard Childress.

“I agree with you,” Phelps messaged to Herbst in August of 2023. “Did you give them some sense of how bad things are out there? Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar [sic].”

In a later message, Phelps continued his crusade against Richard Childress. I wasn’t just one message, it was multiple.

“These guys are short sighted and self serving. Childress is an idiot,” Phelps wrote. “If they don’t like the state of the sport, sell you [sic] charter and get out.”

Wishing away one of your most iconic teams is a strange choice. The hits agains Richard Childress did not stop there, either.

NASCAR Commissioner calls Richard Childress ‘an idiot’

The two NASCAR executives even went further. The two shared their feelings over a “hit” that Childress did. Likely a statement to the media or on TV in 2023.

“Did I mention that Childress is an idiot?” Phelps wrote. Herbst responded in kind. “Just listened to the hit. He is an idiot. … So many false claims and/or disingenuous statements.”

“If he’s that angry (and apparently he is) sign your charter extension and sell,” Phelps responded. “He’s not smart – is a dinosaur – and a malcontent. He’s worth a couple hundred million dollars – every dollar associated with nascar [sic] in some fashion. Total ass-clown.”

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

So, it’s clear that Richard Childress isn’t liked at NASCAR. That is now out in the open. It really doesn’t matter if this document goes to the jury or not. The fact it is out in the public now has done all the damage it needed to do.

As the NASCAR lawsuit goes on, we will only read and find out more. It is going to be interesting how it all unfolds.