Steve Phelps needs to leave NASCAR

If you ever thought some of NASCAR's hierarchy are smug, arrogant and condescending, Steve Phelps proved you right. The recently released texts about longtime car owner Richard Childress shows a total lack of respect from the Commissioner of NASCAR. At the time of the texts, Phelps was NASCAR President. Childress had complained to media about the Next Gen car, how there wasn't the cost-saving promised by NASCAR. That's part of what angered NASCAR officials. Phelps responded in texts how Childress should be taken out back and flogged. He added that Childress was a stupid redneck, an idiot and if he doesn't like it, he should sell his charter and get out of the sport. It makes one wonder about some of the conversations when it comes to the fans, those customers who buy the tickets and support the sport. Phelps told about a 25,000-member fan council in a 2018 interview with Jeff Gluck. NASCAR's direction of more road course races on the Cup Series schedule hasn't been popular with any longtime fans I've talked to. There were more road course races (six) than short track races (five) on the 2025 schedule. The move to bring North Wilkesboro back and Bowman-Gray Stadium as the host for the Clash have been positives. According to the released texts, one reason for the moves to those places came from the threat of the SRX Series. NASCAR officials complained about the popularity of the SRX Series, first shown on CBS and later ESPN. They couldn't fathom how the ratings were better than those for the Xfinity Series and Truck Series. It was an entertaining made-for-TV product with the beating-and-banging of short track racing. They were wringing their hands over the participation of some of the drivers and car owners — specifically Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney and Tony Stewart. Most understand NASCAR wants to protect its interests and its television partners, but Kyle Larson's involvement at the Indianapolis 500 and in dirt track racing, has been an example of increasing interest in the sport. While some of the NASCAR brass made their points, none of them reached the level of Phelps. It's unfathomable the man who owned the No. 3 Chevrolet that Dale Earnhardt drove to six Cup Series championships was called a stupid redneck and an idiot by the then president. WHO IS STEVE PHELPS? The 62-year-old was successful as a brand manager in corporate America before working for the NFL where he rose to Vice President of Corporate Marketing. Phelps, a Vermont native, joined NASCAR in 2005 in the same role he had in the NFL. He quickly rose through the ranks, named Chief Marketing Officer in 2006 and Executive Vice President in 2010. He was promoted to President in 2018. His crowning achievement was negotiating a seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal. Ironically, one of the texts talked about how Childress owes his fortune to racing. Mr. Phelps must not have realized the France family who he works for also made their fortune through racing. Reports surfaced Monday that Childress was considering legal action. Childress is the definition of the American Dream, someone from blue-collar roots who has built a racing empire, a successful winery and even helped his grandson, Austin Dillon, in a new venture with the Professional Bull Riders tour. Other major sports leagues would not tolerate such talk from its commissioners. One can't imagine the NFL keeping Roger Goodell if he insulted Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in such a way. The same for the NBA with Adam Silver and the MLB with Rob Manfred. The damage has been done. Phelps, not Childress, needs to get out of the sport. NEWPORT SPEEDWAY The Newport Fall Classic 350 takes place Saturday headlined by twin 60-lap Limited Late Model races. There are also 40-lap features for the Super Trucks, twin 30-lap races for the Street Stock class and twin 25-lappers for the Crown Vics. Other features include a 40-lap race for the Legends cars and a 35-lap race for the Pure 4 class. Lance Gatlin from Morristown (Limited), Rusty Clendenin from Mt. Carmel (Street Stock) and John Ketron from Kingsport (Pure 4) were among the 2025 champions at the high-banked , 4/10-mile asphalt oval. Grandstands open at 11 a.m. with racing to begin at noon. CHEROKEE RACE PARK Scott Sanders captured the Pro win over Joey Greene at the 1/8-mile Rogersville drag strip on Sunday. Emil Prisco was the No Box winner with Matt Lovett runner-up. Brady Bear captured the 6.50 Index victory with Kevin Neal his final-round opponent. Isaac Sturgill rounded out the winners in the Junior Dragster class with Hunter Sanders also making the final round. Cherokee Race Park has more bracket racing in store this weekend with the Turkey Trot scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.