'Outraged' Bass Pro Shops CEO writes scorching letter to NASCAR over Childress insults

Johnny Morris, the founder, majority owner, and and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, has published a fiery letter addressed to NASCAR and the France family, focusing on the insults leadership shared amongst themselves while talking about longtime team owner Richard Childress.

In text messages produced through discovery as part of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, the NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps expressed contempt and a lack of respect for Childress, who has been part of the sport since the 1960s. 

Childress, who won six Cup Series titles with Dale Earnhardt Sr. is referred to as an 'idiot, 'redneck,' and that that he "needs to be taken out back and flogged." At one point, they say of Childress: "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."

Childress has since stated that he may pursue legal action over the comments, and recently testified in the 2XI/FRM vs. NASCAR trial over the 2025 Charter Agreement.

Morris' letter doesn't outright say this, but it heavily implies that Morris would like to see Commissioner Phelps punished or removed from his position. He expressed outrage over the comments, calling them "shockingly offensive and false criticisms."

You can read the entire letter below:

Johnny Morris full letter

"I've been a NASCAR fan since I was 7 years old when I started going to races at the fairgrounds speedway in my hometown, Springfield, MO with my Grandpa Will, who was a lineman for the Frisco Railroad. We-watched Willie Crane, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader, the Wallace brothers and others try to beat our local hero, Larry Phillips.

"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.

"I speak up today on behalf of the wonderful people in our company who consider it an honor and a great source of pride to have sponsored NASCAR and our friend Richard Childress and his grandson Austin. Dillon, for a very long time.

"Since Dale Eanhardt Sr. and Richard Childress welcomed us to the sport 28 years ago, Richard has become a special friend in life. He's 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! 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.

"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."

"What Mr. Phelps may or may not be aware of is the fact that in attacking Richard Childress, the racing legend, he is also attacking one of the most respected leaders in America's conservation community.
The commissioner has repeatedly labeled Richard as "an idiot," a "dinosaur," "a stupid redneck" and a "clown."

"The fact is Richard Childress has done as much to build and promote NASCAR as anyone in the history of the sport! The commissioner, in all his rant, has only managed to bring discredit to himself and the sport.
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.

"We can't help but wonder 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!

"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.

"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.

"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."

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