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CHARLOTTE, NC – Johnny Morris, the founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has issued a blistering open letter to NASCAR and the France family, vehemently condemning remarks made by NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps regarding longtime team owner Richard Childress. The letter, published following the unsealing of text messages as part of an antitrust lawsuit, expresses profound disappointment and outrage from Morris and the broader conservation and outdoor enthusiast communities that align with his company.
The controversy stems from text messages exchanged by NASCAR leadership, revealed through discovery in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. In these communications, Commissioner Steve Phelps reportedly expressed significant contempt and a lack of respect for Richard Childress, a figure who has been instrumental in NASCAR’s history since the 1960s.
The unearthed messages characterize Childress, a seven-time Cup Series champion owner, with derogatory terms such as "idiot," "redneck," and suggest he "needs to be taken out back and flogged." Further excerpts attribute statements like, "If he’s that angry (and apparently he is) sign your charter extension and sell. He’s not smart, is a dinosaur, and a malcontent. He’s worth a couple hundred million dollars – every dollar associated with nascar in some fashion. Total ass-clown," to Phelps or his associates within NASCAR leadership.
Richard Childress, a pivotal figure in the sport, particularly for his six Cup Series championships with the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., has publicly stated his consideration of legal action in response to these remarks. He recently provided testimony in the ongoing trial concerning the 2025 Charter Agreement, a critical element of NASCAR’s economic structure.
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Morris’ letter, while not explicitly demanding Phelps’ removal, strongly implies a desire for such an outcome. He articulates that the conservationist community, a demographic deeply connected to Bass Pro Shops and its values, is "outraged" by what he describes as "shockingly offensive and false criticisms" leveled against Childress. Morris further asserts that such sentiments from NASCAR leadership pose "a threat to the very integrity of the sport," given their role in officiating, penalty assessment, and rule enforcement.
Bass Pro Shops boasts a deep and enduring relationship with NASCAR, having been a sponsor for nearly three decades. The company is a significant partner to Richard Childress Racing, supporting the No. 3 Cup Series car driven by Austin Dillon. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops extends its sponsorship to Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 Cup car at Joe Gibbs Racing, underscoring its substantial investment and commitment to the sport. Johnny Morris and Richard Childress share a close personal friendship, further amplifying the impact of these revelations on Morris.
In his letter, Morris draws a parallel to other major professional sports, questioning how a commissioner in Major League Baseball would be perceived if they disparaged icons like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, or Babe Ruth. He posits that such blatant disrespect would likely alienate fans and lead to the swift departure of the commissioner.
Morris begins his letter by recounting his personal history with NASCAR, dating back to his childhood in Springfield, Missouri, where he attended races at the local fairgrounds speedway with his grandfather. He recalls watching legendary drivers and local heroes, establishing an early connection to the sport. He then details how Bass Pro Shops, a company deeply intertwined with outdoor pursuits, found a natural alignment with NASCAR’s fanbase, comprising millions of outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers across America.
"In the years that followed, 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," Morris writes.
He emphasizes the pride his company and its associates take in their long-standing sponsorship of NASCAR and their friendship with Richard Childress and his family. Morris highlights Childress’s character, describing him as "a great leader, a fierce competitor and a passionate advocate for outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists, he is a true American patriot." He states that Childress has been a "long time admired and respected member of our Bass Pro Shops family."
Morris directly addresses the impact of Phelps’ alleged comments, noting the widespread outrage among his employees, customers, dealers, and respected members of the conservation and military communities. "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."
He elaborates on Childress’s contributions, asserting that he has done "as much to build and promote NASCAR as anyone in the history of the sport!" Morris contends that Phelps’ "rant" has only served to "bring discredit to himself and the sport."
The letter further articulates concerns regarding impartiality in officiating and penalties. "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."
Morris concludes his message with a plea for unity and a return to the foundational principles of NASCAR. He expresses genuine respect for the France family, acknowledging their role in establishing the sport and their consistent display of patriotism and honor for military service members. "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."
He reiterates the importance of honoring the sport’s pioneers and its core fanbase. "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 unsealed text messages and Morris’s subsequent public condemnation highlight a significant rift within NASCAR, raising questions about leadership accountability and the long-term implications for the sport’s integrity and its relationships with key partners and stakeholders. The ongoing antitrust lawsuit and the fallout from these revelations are expected to continue shaping the narrative surrounding NASCAR’s governance and future direction.
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