NEED TO KNOW
-
Richard Childress Racing says it is considering legal action against NASCAR executives after newly released texts reveal derogatory messages
-
A Nov. 24 statement said Childress was “deeply disappointed” by the messages because “legal action is being considered and discussed with legal counsel.”
-
The text messages were released as part of the ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Former racing driver Richard Childress plans to take legal action against NASCAR after discovering derogatory text messages sent by leaders of the organization.
A statement released Monday, November 24 to local news channel WCAC and New York Times of Richard Childress Racing said: “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. »
Advertisement
“These comments reflect how some NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have dedicated their lives to strengthening the sport for its fans, sponsors and all who participate.”
Logan Riely/Getty
Richard Childress on August 19, 2024
The statement continued: “RCR and Richard Childress are equally disappointed for NASCAR fans, with whom Mr. Childress closely identifies given his humble and hardworking background.”
“Mr. Childress and the organization will make no further statements regarding these or other defamatory text messages that have recently surfaced as legal action is being considered and discussed with legal counsel,” Childress’ statement concluded.
Advertisement
According to the New York Timesthe messages were unsealed on Friday, November 21, in the middle of the Lawsuit underway between Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR, and Phelps allegedly suggested that Childress be “taken out and whipped” in a post.
Another text message to Phelps’ NASCAR media and revenue director Brian Herbst allegedly called Childress a “stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR” after Childress criticized the league, according to the New York Times, and Herbst allegedly called Childress an “idiot” in another post.
The ongoing lawsuit filed against NASCAR and CEO Jim France by two of its racing teams accuses the organization and its executives of being “monopolistic tyrants,” in court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
The lawsuit alleges that NASCAR and France, 79, used “anti-competitive and exclusionary practices” to “enrich themselves at the expense of major stock car racing teams.”
Advertisement
Read the original article on People
