Newly released court records connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have drawn renewed attention to past associations involving NASCAR, including former driver Brian Vickers, his former wife Sarah Kellen, and the now-defunct Michael Waltrip Racing, as reported by Outkick.
The U.S. Department of Justice last week released millions of additional documents tied to Epstein, including emails and correspondence that reference Vickers, his former race team, and internal discussions involving sponsors.
The disclosures come as the 2026 NASCAR season has yet to begin officially, with the Busch Clash repeatedly postponed due to snow and ice in the Carolinas.
“Epstein files reveal ex-NASCAR driver Brian Vickers’ lewd email to sex offender.” (via @usatodaysports)https://t.co/43UTtqdLFO
— Dan Nowicki (@dannowicki) February 1, 2026
Vickers, the 2003 Busch Series champion, divorced Sarah Kellen last year after more than a decade of marriage. Kellen previously worked for Epstein as an assistant and was granted immunity in 2008 as part of a federal investigation.
She has been accused of recruiting young women, arranging travel, and scheduling so-called “massages” for Epstein.
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In court filings, Judge Alison Nathan previously described Kellen as “a criminally responsible participant” and identified her as a leader under Ghislaine Maxwell.
The newly released DOJ files include multiple email references involving Vickers, Epstein, and Michael Waltrip Racing.
In one early email, Kellen reportedly referred to Vickers as a “major Playboy.”
Other correspondence involves concerns over Vickers’ sponsorship with Aaron’s, with emails suggesting the sponsor may not have been pleased after learning of Vickers’ connection to Kellen and, by extension, Epstein.
There was an email where it looks like Vickers’ girlfriend wanted Epstein to talk to Bill Gates about getting Microsoft to sponsor Vickers pic.twitter.com/fqof0bRTOE
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) January 31, 2026
One email, with the sender’s name redacted but believed to have originated from Kellen, references internal discussions at Michael Waltrip Racing.
The email states: “We then called the 2 owners of MWR, Rob Kauffman and Michael Waltrip, to discuss with them and answer any questions they may have. They are good with it on a personal level …”
It continues, “They don’t intend to bring it to Aaron’s attention right now and are hoping they won’t find out.”
The documents also include a forwarded email sent by Vickers to Epstein in March 2012.
While the content was not authored by Vickers, the email references personal behavior, including “dated women half his age,” and other remarks that have drawn scrutiny following the release.
Vickers, now 42, entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2003 and raced primarily for Michael Waltrip Racing, including during the team’s Red Bull Racing era.
Over a 14-year Cup career, he recorded three wins, along with three victories in the Xfinity Series. He won the 2003 Busch Series championship before stepping away from full-time competition.
The Epstein files also include brief and unusual references to other NASCAR figures.
Joe Gibbs Racing founder Joe Gibbs is mentioned once in what is described as a journal-style entry that reads:
“Joe Gibbs is so nice, but Dan Snyder is a pig! A red skin hogget(sp?)!” The reference also mentions the now-defunct Redskin Hogettes fan group.
Michael Waltrip Racing makes an appearance in the Epstein files.
In 2013, Dollar General sponsored Vickers in the Nationwide Series with Joe Gibbs Racing pic.twitter.com/2k57rA2aoi
— BrakeHard (@BrakeHardBlog) January 31, 2026
BREAKING; Former NASCAR driver Brian Vickers has been revealed to be in the Epstein Files.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/HmyaF5XJLi
— The NASCAR Centel (@NSCRCENTEL) January 30, 2026
Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is also referenced once in the document set, though without additional context tying him to Epstein.
While none of the documents allege criminal conduct by NASCAR as an organization, the presence of high-profile names has raised questions about what was known internally and when.
The release adds another layer of controversy as the sport attempts to move forward into the 2026 season amid scheduling delays and heightened public scrutiny.
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