Richard Childress is contemplating legal action after unsealed court documents revealed derogatory messages about him by NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a massive court filing last week, then-NASCAR President Phelps took part in a conversation with Executive Vice President and Chief Media & Revenue Officer Brian Herbst. They discussed ongoing charter negotations, the team owners, and Childress in particular.
Phelps specifically called the Hall of Fame team owner a "stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR." Phelps also said that Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. Multiple other messages between Phelps and Herbst referred to Childress as an idiot. Another called him an "ass-clown."
"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," Childress' statement said on Monday.
"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."
The release of the derogatory messages and the comments about potential legal action occurred mere days before NASCAR will head into court. Dec. 1 will mark the start of an antitrust lawsuit trial between 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR.
These unsealed messages from Phelps will not be included as evidence during the trial expected to last 10 days, but other previously private conversations and documents will come to light as both sides of the lawsuit present their cases.
