Former Race Car Driver Richard Childress Weighs Legal Action Against NASCAR Over Executive's 'Insensitive' Texts

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NEED TO KNOW

• Richard Childress Racing said they're considering taking legal action against NASCAR executives after newly released texts reveal disparaging messages

• A statement on Nov. 24 said Childress is "deeply disappointed" by the messages as "legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel"

• The text messages were released amid the ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports

Former race car driver Richard Childress is considering taking legal action against NASCAR after discovering disparaging text messages sent by executives of the organization.

A statement on Monday, Nov. 24 issued to local news station WCAC and the New York Times from 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."

"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."

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The statement continued, "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," Childress' statement concluded.

According to the New York Times, the messages were unsealed on Friday, Nov. 21, amid the ongoing lawsuit between Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, and Phelps reportedly suggested Childress be "taken out back and flogged" in one message.

Another text message to Brian Herbst, NASCAR chief media and revenue officer from Phelps reportedly called Childress a "stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR" after Childress was critical of the league, per the NYT, and Herbst reportedly called Childress an "idiot" in another message.

The ongoing lawsuit brought against NASCAR and CEO Jim France by two of its racing teams accuses the organization and its executives of being "monopolistic bullies," in court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

The lawsuit alleges NASCAR and France, 79, used “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” to “enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams."

Read the original article on People