A NASCAR insider gives his take on Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell’s ‘very realistic’ scripts

New texts between NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and Chairman Steve O’Donnell have emerged in court documents, revealing the governing body’s reaction when 23XI Racing team owner Denny Hamlin decided to participate in Tony Stewart’s Superstar Racing Experience (SRX). Hours later, veteran journalist Bob Pockrass shared his views on the matter on X.

For further context, these texts were exchanged back in 2023, the third season of SRX’s run. The series has been attracting major NASCAR drivers and is approaching its first season on ESPN, NASCAR’s former media partner, after a two-year run with CBS.

According to the files, O’Donnell completely rejected the SRX idea. Send a text message to Phelps,

“This is NASCAR. Plain and simple. Enough is enough. We need the law to do this.”

One of Philip’s texts reads,

“These guys are just idiots. Need to put a knife in this garbage chain.”

Pockras shared these texts in another post on X. In his last post on the subject, Pockras wrote:

“How I see the transcripts from this lawsuit: The Steves are very meticulous/pragmatic as far as anticipating the challenges facing the NASCAR business as well as understanding the needs of the teams…but they are also very sensitive that their efforts have not generated what they consider brand loyalty.”

Texts dating back to 2023 appear to have brought a new angle to the ongoing antitrust battle between 23XI, Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR. It is worth noting that the final session is scheduled to be held on Monday, December 1.

Steve Phelps comments on NASCAR’s rising value amid the fallout from recent lawsuits

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps believes no lawsuit or “anything else” can dampen the success of the sport. During his 2025 State of the Sports address at Phoenix Raceway, the NASCAR executive revealed that interest in the sport has increased despite the federal antitrust lawsuit filed against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports more than a year ago.

“I don’t think any lawsuit or anything else is going to ultimately impact the overall success of the sport as we move forward,” Phelps told reporters.

He continued, “Are there some things and comments that have been made on both sides that are unfortunate? Yes.” “Are there things that Steve (O’Donnell, NASCAR president) and I have said that we don’t want to announce? Yes. I’m sure there are things that 23XI and Front Row also feel that way about.”

NASCAR will return to racing on weekends from February 2026 onward, beginning with the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1. Fans can watch the race live on FOX or listen to radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.