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NASCAR’s leadership is facing a formidable challenge from a prominent industry figure, as Johnny Morris, founder, majority owner, and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has penned an impassioned open letter expressing profound outrage over disparaging remarks made by NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps regarding longtime team owner Richard Childress. The letter, addressed to NASCAR and the France family, underscores the deep concern within the conservation and outdoor enthusiast communities, as well as among Bass Pro Shops’ vast network of customers and partners, about the perceived disrespect shown to a celebrated figure in motorsports.
The controversy stems from text messages that surfaced during the discovery phase of the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. These communications revealed a startling lack of respect from NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps towards Richard Childress, a figure who has been instrumental in shaping the sport since the 1960s. Childress, whose storied career includes six NASCAR Cup Series championships with the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., was reportedly described in derogatory terms, including "idiot," "redneck," and with the suggestion that he "needs to be taken out back and flogged." Further messages characterized Childress as "not smart," a "dinosaur," and a "malcontent," concluding with the dismissive assessment: "Total ass-clown."
In response to these revelations, Richard Childress has indicated he is exploring legal action. He recently provided testimony in the ongoing trial concerning the 2025 Charter Agreement, a pivotal moment that has amplified the public scrutiny of NASCAR’s internal communications and decision-making processes.
Johnny Morris’s letter, while not explicitly calling for Phelps’ removal, strongly implies a desire for accountability, suggesting that the Commissioner’s position may be untenable given his expressed sentiments. Morris articulates the widespread dismay within the conservationist community, labeling the criticisms of Childress as "shockingly offensive and false." He asserts that such language from senior NASCAR leadership poses "a threat to the very integrity of the sport," particularly as these individuals are entrusted with officiating and determining penalties.
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The involvement of Bass Pro Shops in NASCAR extends beyond mere sponsorship. The company is a key partner of Richard Childress Racing, supporting Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Chevrolet in the Cup Series. Furthermore, Bass Pro Shops is a partner of Chase Briscoe and the No. 19 Ford at Joe Gibbs Racing, demonstrating a significant and long-standing commitment to the sport. With nearly three decades of deep engagement in NASCAR, Bass Pro Shops’ voice carries considerable weight. Richard Childress and Johnny Morris also share a close personal friendship, further amplifying Morris’s vested interest and personal concern.
Morris’s letter opens with a personal reflection on his lifelong passion for NASCAR, tracing his roots back to childhood visits to Springfield, MO’s fairgrounds speedway with his grandfather. He recalls watching local heroes and future stars, establishing an early connection to the sport’s grassroots appeal. This personal narrative is then interwoven with the extensive involvement of Bass Pro Shops, a company whose brand identity and customer base – encompassing 180 million outdoor enthusiasts and 60 million hunters and anglers – align profoundly with NASCAR’s demographic.
"In the years that followed," Morris writes, "our company, Bass Pro Shops, has become a proud sponsor of NASCAR, a sport that resonates deeply not only with our own Outfitters, but with our core customer base – America’s 180 million outdoor enthusiasts and 60 million hunters and anglers."
He emphasizes the honor and pride Bass Pro Shops derives from its sponsorship of NASCAR and its enduring relationship with Richard Childress and his grandson, Austin Dillon. Morris fondly recounts the partnership’s inception 28 years ago, when Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Richard Childress welcomed Bass Pro Shops into the sport. He characterizes Childress as "a great leader, a fierce competitor and a passionate advocate for outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists, he is a true American patriot. Most of all, to us, Richard is a long time admired and respected member of our Bass Pro Shops family!"
The core of Morris’s critique is directed at the perceived betrayal of this long-standing respect. "As 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… are outraged by how Richard and his family have been treated by some senior NASCAR leaders." He reiterates the severity of the situation, stating, "We 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."
Morris draws a parallel between the current situation and the potential fallout in other major sports, asking, "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 – such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!" This analogy serves to highlight the magnitude of the perceived transgression and its potential to alienate long-term supporters.
The letter also touches upon the broader implications for the sport’s governance. Morris voices concerns echoed by many within Bass Pro Shops: "Many of our teammates have validly expressed concern that the commissioner’s 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." This statement directly questions the impartiality of NASCAR’s officiating and disciplinary processes, a critical component for the fairness and credibility of any competitive league.
While expressing deep disappointment with certain leadership figures, Morris also conveys a message of respect and hope towards the founding family of NASCAR. "We 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."
This acknowledgement of the France family’s legacy and values serves to distinguish them from the perceived shortcomings of current operational leadership. Morris concludes with a plea for unity and resolution, recognizing the detrimental impact of internal strife. "It 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’s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for compromise. We’re 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."
His final statement serves as a potent reminder of NASCAR’s foundational principles and the importance of honoring its heritage. "One 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."
The intervention by Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops injects a significant external pressure point into the ongoing legal and reputational challenges facing NASCAR. The scale of Bass Pro Shops’ involvement and the widespread support for Richard Childress within the outdoor and conservation communities suggest that these criticisms from NASCAR’s leadership have resonated far beyond the confines of the courtroom, potentially impacting brand partnerships, fan sentiment, and the long-term trajectory of the sport. The coming weeks will likely reveal how NASCAR leadership, including the France family, responds to this forceful public rebuke and the broader implications it carries for the sport’s integrity and future.
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