Recent developments in the NASCAR lawsuit have put the authorities under question, especially after Steve Phelps’ text messages were publicized. The messages revealed hateful messages for veteran team owner Richard Childress, along with other controversial topics. And now, all the hate is coming towards the sport itself, including its leadership. But amidst this, Fox Broadcaster Bob Pockrass seemingly has a different outlook on the situation, and he explained the other emotion behind those messages.

Bob Pockrass explains NASCAR leadership’s side of the story

Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell were the two major NASCAR personalities whose chats were leaked amidst the ongoing lawsuit. Understandably, the sport’s top authorities have a lot on their plate, and policy-making can be a difficult task to accomplish. Any decision that might benefit the teams too much could bleed the sport of money, and vice versa.

The allegations in the lawsuit allege monopolistic behavior from the authorities, as teams ask for a larger share of the revenue under the Charter System.

Reacting to the controversy, Bob Pockrass claimed that achieving the right balance during policymaking can be a difficult task.

“I’ve known Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell for probably decades, and I know that they work hard, and I know they made several key decisions, but it’s pretty obvious from the text messages that they’re also very sensitive,” Pockass told Roy J. Akers. “And I think it shows that they struggle in balancing the efforts that they feel they put in to benefit everybody and how they kind of view that as not necessarily being reciprocated.”

The lawsuit continues. However, it is tough to say if the developments are leaning towards the teams or NASCAR. In any case, the nature of the publicized text messages is not helping the higher authorities in the case.

Why are the revealed text messages a major blunder?

“Boy, it is by far the biggest mess I’ve ever seen NASCAR get in its history.”

This is what Kenny Wallace said, reacting to the leaked messages from Steve Phelps and other associates. Fighting a lawsuit is just one aspect for the authorities. However, the nature of the leaked messages could severely hurt Phelps’s persona.

Because Richard Childress remains one of the most outspoken team owners in the sport, and the messages were directed against him, it seems as if the authorities do not take lightly someone who goes against their policies. Former driver Jeremy Mayfield also commented on the situation, claiming that the authorities do not prefer someone “not fitting their mold,” referring to his indefinite ban in 2009.

The messages do not reflect a positive side of the most important figures in the sport. The derogatory language against Childress and the dismissive remarks about fans expose contempt from leadership. This could raise questions from the stakeholders. Furthermore, a damaged reputation could possibly see sponsors pull back from the sport, turning the revenue into a loss.

Although there is only a small possibility of this happening, the damage cannot be undone. While Bob Pockrass’s statement that the authorities are struggling while making policies is somewhat correct, that cannot possibly be an explanation for the nature of the leaked messages.