'I wasn't the vanilla driver they liked showing off": Jeremy Mayfield makes feelings known as NASCAR executives' controversial texts surface

Jeremy Mayfield went off on NASCAR chiefs for their divisive takes in a leaked text exchange. The former Cup Series driver shared that he feels 'vindicated' for his longstanding criticism of the sport.

Mayfield is a contentious figure himself. The Kentucky native was suspended from the sport for testing positive for Methamphetamine. A federal judge temporarily overturned the ruling, but the drug was found in his system a second time the same year, prompting his indefinite suspension.

Since then, the 56-year-old has been a vehement critic of NASCAR executives. This time around, a leaked text exchange between Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst has revealed their animosity towards team owner Richard Childress. Notably, they called Childress a 'stupid redneck' and that he should be 'taken out and flogged' for his critical takes on NASCAR.

Reflecting upon the same, Mayfield shared a Facebook post, writing (via X/Taylor Kitchen),

"I get why people say I should feel vindicated. …And I do. It proves what I tried telling people for years. You don’t have to mess up to get targeted. Sometimes just not fitting their mold is all it takes. I wasn’t the vanilla driver they like showing off. I came in rough. Hard-nosed and I made my share of mistakes. I spoke up, and I wasn’t the easiest person to get along with at times. I was Real. But that’s because racing was my whole life. It’s everything I ever had, or wanted."

“Why would they do that to you Jeremy?” Now you’re seeing why. Their words say it all," he added.

Back in 2018, Tony Stewart shared that NASCAR management doesn't have a clue about what works for the sport. Phelps has been with the sanctioning body since 2005 and had transitioned from the NFL, where the playoff format had its roots.

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Richard Childress Racing releases statement on NASCAR executives' defamatory remarks

Richard Childress Racing has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the leaked texts. The statement noted that both RCR and Richard Childress are 'deeply disappointed' by the 'insensitive' remarks made about him.

The statement further read(via X/Claire B.Lang),

"These comments reflect the way certain NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have devoted their lives to strengthening the sport for its fans, its sponsors, and all who compete in it.”

It was also noted that RCR is contemplating legal action over the defamatory statements. There have also been other leaked texts that paint a poor picture of upper management. Steve Phelps and current president, Steve O'Donnell, were found discussing Denny Hamlin's participation in rival series SRX.

They called the series 'trash' and considered legal action to stop them in their tracks. The series was disbanded after a three-year run in 2023. The following year, the series co-owner, Tony Stewart, shutdown his NASCAR team, Stewart Haas Racing.