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Steve Phelps has heard some critical comments about money.
Amid the ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, newly released documents have revealed blunt private messages from top NASCAR officials.
These leaks have set off major reactions across the racing world. The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, claims NASCAR has used anti-competitive rules, especially through the charter system that controls team access and revenue.
The unsealed messages come from 2021 and 2022 and show Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell calling team owner Richard Childress a “stupid redneck.” They also mocked the Superstar Racing Experience, or SRX, with O’Donnell saying the series drew smaller crowds than a “local dirt track.”
Retired drivers break the silence
Active Cup Series drivers have not publicly responded, but several retired stars have. Mark Martin, a 40-time Cup Series winner, said the leaks left him deeply disappointed. “Just so disappointing. We should be giving people who love Motorsports more of what they love and maybe the sport would grow and bring in more fans of all ages.”
“This has been going on in the sport I love. I’m just disappointed all the way around. There were plenty of problems before Charters and the RTA, but I’m not sure how you ever fix all this now he added.”
Tommy Joe Martins, a former Xfinity Series driver, said the messages confirmed the concerns he has had for years. “Every text from everyone involved just confirms everything I’ve felt for 10+ years. It’s not a disappointment to see it all; it’s a relief. I wasn’t just dreaming it up. It was actually happening.”
His reaction highlights the long-standing pressure smaller teams say they have faced in trying to compete. For many of those teams, the leaked texts support claims that NASCAR has kept too much control and limited open competition.
Former Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield also spoke out. He focused on the insult toward Childress, saying, “If it weren’t for ‘stupid’ rednecks, those ‘suits’ wouldn’t have a job.” Mayfield defended Childress, a Hall of Fame owner who has been part of the sport’s growth for decades. His comments pointed back to NASCAR’s early roots, when the sport was built by working-class drivers and small operations.
Kenny Wallace adds more perspective
Veteran driver Kenny Wallace posted a video responding to the leaked texts. He said, “I’ve never seen NASCAR in this bad of shape.” Wallace said SRX was not a real threat to NASCAR and argued the negative comments in the messages showed bigger problems inside the organization. His take added to the growing online discussion, where fans debated leadership, competition, and trust in the sport’s direction.
The lawsuit claims NASCAR has restricted fair competition and limited team choices through its charter rules. The texts could become key evidence, showing what top officials thought about outside series like SRX and how they viewed team owners during the time the lawsuit covers.
What this means going forward
The leaked messages have raised more questions about NASCAR’s leadership structure. Fans and retired drivers are now watching how the lawsuit unfolds. The case could bring changes to the charter system if the court decides in favor of the plaintiffs. They argue that the current model blocks new teams and protects only the strongest groups.
As more information comes out, the case may shape how NASCAR handles competition and team rights. For now, the leaked texts have offered a rare look into private discussions, and the reactions from former drivers show how serious the moment is for the sport’s future.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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