{"id":341430,"date":"2025-12-11T10:01:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T10:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/341430\/"},"modified":"2025-12-11T10:01:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T10:01:12","slug":"nascar-news-sponsor-slams-nascar-boss-for-shockingly-offensive-remarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/341430\/","title":{"rendered":"NASCAR news: Sponsor slams NASCAR boss for \u2018shockingly offensive\u2019 remarks"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Sponsor
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAustin Dillon, driver of the #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro, leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Image: Chris Graythen\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Amid the NASCAR vs 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, ugly texts were revealed in which NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps made comments about Childress.<\/a><\/p>\n

In a text exchange with NASCAR chief media officer Brian Herbs, Phelps said Childress was a \u201cstupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.\u201d<\/p>\n

The team responded, threatening to take legal action over what it said were insensitive and defamatory remarks.<\/p>\n

Now one of Richard Childress Racing\u2019s biggest sponsors, Bass Pro Shops, has weighed in with a three-page letter calling for action.<\/p>\n

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris said he was a life-long NASCAR fans, having grown up watching stock car racing as a child at Fairground Speedway.<\/p>\n

Bass Pro Shops sponsors Austin Dillon\u2019s #3 Chevrolet Camaro and has also sponsored Chase Briscoe\u2019s #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry.<\/p>\n


\n\t\tWin a Family Weekend Pass to a National Hi-Tec Oils Super Series event & more! – Enter Now!<\/a><\/p>\n

Morris, who is the CEO of the hunting and fishing brand, said he is a close friend of Childress who he hailed a \u201cgreat leader, a fierce competitor and a passionate advocate for outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs 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\u2026 are outraged by how Richard and his family have been treated by some senior NASCAR leaders,\u201d said Morris.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are extremely upset by the recent disclosure of shockingly offensive and false criticisms of Richard by the Commissioner of NASCAR Steve Phelps. For the Commissioner and his allies, to attack one of the pillars of the sport is incredibly irresponsible and a disservice to everyone involved in NASCAR and its partners, sponsors and fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Mr. Phelps may or may not be aware of is the fact that in attacking Richard Childress, the racing legend, he is also attacking one of the most respected leaders in America\u2019s conservation community. The commissioner has repeatedly labeled Richard as \u201can idiot,\u201d a \u201cdinosaur,\u201d \u201ca stupid redneck\u201d and a \u201cclown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Bass<\/p>\n

Bass Pro Shops sponsors Chase Briscoe (pictured) and Austin Dillon in the NASCAR Cup Series.<\/p>\n

Morris said Childress was a key part of the success of NASCAR.<\/p>\n

Although he stopped short of calling for Phelps to be sacked, he drew comparisons that he felt would not sit well with the public. Morris said Phelps had discredited himself and the sport.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany of our teammates have validly expressed concern that the commissioner\u2019s 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 that govern the sport, including the objective assessment of fines and penalties. This is a threat to the very integrity of the sport,\u201d Morris continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t 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 \u2013 such a commissioner most likely wouldn\u2019t, or shouldn\u2019t, keep his or her job for very long.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe write this letter with genuine respect for the family who gave birth to the great All-American sporting tradition of NASCAR. The France Family has always celebrated the beginning of every race with faith and prayer and saluted patriotism, with the singing of the national anthem, and remaining steadfast in going above and beyond to honor our veterans and active-duty military. They have built a sport celebrated by hardworking American families.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is painful for all fans to watch the current conflict and division occurring within the sport we love. We hope the France family and team owners will reflect carefully on the damage that\u2019s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for compromise. We\u2019re cheering for a prompt and fair resolution that creates a positive path to a happy and long-term future for the founding family, team owners and most importantly, the fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

NASCAR team threatens action over \u2018insensitive and defamatory\u2019 texts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Get the latest NASCAR news, stats and betting insights at MotorRacing.com<\/a><\/p>\n

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