Chrud Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - Dale Earnhardt Jr. called Jimmie Johnson an "idiot," and blamed the Nextel Cup series points leader for causing a 25-car accident at Talladega Superspeedway. "If there was one idiot out there it was him," Earnhardt said during a break Tuesday in a test session at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "To be honest about it, I think Jimmie Johnson caused about all the wrecks out there." Both Earnhardt and Johnson were at the center of the massive accident in Sunday's race at Talladega that wiped out half the field and ranked as the second-largest melee in track history. Earnhardt was behind Mike Wallace on the front straightaway when he used his car to push Wallace ahead. The practice is called "bump drafting" and the drivers had been asked by NASCAR in their prerace meeting to be cautious when doing it. But when Earnhardt used his speed to get Wallace moving faster, Wallace wiggled just a bit. Johnson drifted up the track at the same time and ran into the side of Wallace. The contact sent Wallace careening into the wall, and 24 other cars piled up behind him. Earlier Tuesday, Greg Biffle blamed Johnson for the six-car accident that knocked Biffle and Earnhardt out of contention in the closing laps. Johnson bounced off the wall, and when he tried to save his car by moving back down the track, the cars piled up around him. Johnson deflected criticism for both accidents, saying the first was a series of events that culminated in the big wreck and the second was "hard racing." "I think that our wreck on Sunday was a racing incident," Johnson said. "If you took one of those components out of what took place to start that big wreck, it wouldn't have happened. It's hard racing. "You're an inch and a half apart from one another, cars bouncing all over. They're hard to drive." Johnson, who leads the Nextel Cup standings by 130 points over Kurt Busch, has been criticized recently by his fellow competitors for his driving style. Jeff Burton was angry with Johnson after Bristol, where Johnson hit him from behind and sent him into the wall. And Tony Stewart has been feuding with him on and off since Daytona, when Johnson blocked him up and down the race track in the closing laps. Then, two weeks ago in Phoenix, Stewart said Johnson hit him to cause a spin that also wrecked Rusty Wallace. "I don't know what he was doing," Stewart said after the race. "He was running guys up and down the racetrack." Both Johnson and Stewart said at Talladega that everything was fine between them. Jeff Gordon, Johnson's car owner and teammate, defended his protege Tuesday and said Johnson is upset about all the criticism. "I talked to him and I know he's feeling really beat up over it," Gordon said. "But he really feels like it wasn't his fault. To blame one person in that accident is very unfortunate because I don't think it was any one person." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] Jeff Gordon, Johnson's car owner and teammate, defended his protege Tuesday and said Johnson is upset about all the criticism. "I talked to him and I know he's feeling really beat up over it," Gordon said. "But he really feels like it wasn't his fault. To blame one person in that accident is very unfortunate because I don't think it was any one person." [/ QUOTE ] Now that sounds more like a owner defending is driver (Employee) than a driver stating what he thought or thinks happened. The only thing I don't like about this statement is that Jr. never said anything until big mouth Biffle cried about the situation. And for Jr. to spout off about JJ being an idiot just who was bump-dafting when there was NO room to do so, I think Jr. brought the #4 car into play and contributed to the big one IMO.... If I remember correctly it was more than a couple of weeks ago everyone thought it was wrong of JJ to say the things he had to say about Busch. I for one think it was a plain OL' racing thing, but hey if everyone wants to debate a MUTE point, go right ahead,,,, Gordon won the race clean and fair.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pa_sportsman Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot "Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot" So? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest deldeer Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot i think the last paragragh says it all....however,did you really think JR would fess up???? i don't think so...it's so much easier to blame the other guy...ask johnson!!!! is'nt that what you keep bad mouthing JJ about, not fessing up??? i mean did'nt he say the 4 car was bouncing off the front of his car like a woodpecker????(talk about an idiot) that was a pretty stupid thing to say!!! i guess the 4 car kept backing into his front end maybe.....i guess JR showed he aint any better than JJ when it comes to taking the heat!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot And...Jr would be correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] And...Jr would be correct. [/ QUOTE ] I second that!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot I just love these Rousch and DEI Fans when the table get turned alittle..... By all means do I say that JJ has/had no part in the big one, but to say he alone cause it,,,,would be a very inaccurate statement,,,,,look at the replays they explain all..... I just love this finger pointing after each race.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wisconsinboy Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot well Jr. isint wrong on this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] well Jr. isint wrong on this one. [/ QUOTE ] I guess that depends on what point of view you want to take...but to me it was just from one idiot to another..... JJ and Jr. have what it takes to be two of the best in the class, but actions that these two have taken recently really get old.....and finger pointing really solves what,,,,,their statements have changed from race day, becuase of what other drivers had to say....JMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTF Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot Not a Jr fan or a JJ fan, but I will say this. JJ has been around in the last few races where an accident has happened where his car was somewhat involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VABuckSlayer Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot Another vote for JR here! (not a JR fan though) Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot While I am a Jr. fan, let's see what JJ's teammate had to say: [ QUOTE ] It was definitely a good race going on," said Kyle Busch, who was one of three cars that didn't make it back to the track after the wreck. "I kind of hung back." Busch thought that Johnson drifted too high the track, but like most drivers, he had to watch the wreck via a TV replay. No one could see through the massive smoke generated by the spinning cars. "It looked like the 48 (Johnson) squeezed the 4 (Mike Wallace) up into towards the fence," Busch said. "The 8 (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) was behind him, nowhere to go." [/ QUOTE ] Imagine that, someone else thinks JJ was at fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted May 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] however,did you really think JR would fess up???? [/ QUOTE ] Remember Vegas? Who said he was at fault for the wreck early in the race? A lot of people have said that taking out any one factor could have prevented the wreck. So if JJ hadn't ran into the side of Wallace, the wreck wouldn't have started, right? I don't see how Junior could be at fault. Had Wallace tried correcting it and turned into the 10, then I would have blamed Junior for it. Look at when Kerry Earnhardt wrecked Bowyer in the Busch race. He ran into the back of him and Bowyer went side to side drastically and spun. When Junior bumped Wallace, I saw a slight wiggle, but nothing to make him correct a foot to the left bouncing off JJ. It doesn't matter if a car is going straight or is slightly crooked, another clown running into the side of him would turn him sideways like the 4 did. Anyone have any good still pictures of the wreck anyway? I watched the replay a few times and don't see when the 48 made contact with anybody before running into the 4. I know someone tried saying he hit the 42, but the 42 was infront of the 48 and on his right side, not even close to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted May 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] JJ and Jr. have what it takes to be two of the best in the class, but actions that these two have taken recently really get old [/ QUOTE ] Could you explain Junior's recent actions more? All the finger pointing wouldn't be happening if there wasn't a certain someone causing wrecks every week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot I want to see a fight!!! If he';s getting all the finger pointing then why ain't someone steppin up to his face. If he's causing so much wrecks and putting people in danger in the wrecks why dont JR or someone else step up and say something. Don't talk to the media about it talk to the "bad guy in this" In the last race with the big wreck I think JJ didn't cause it to happen but look at the tight racing and the bumper to bumper traffic. I'm sure if JJ could have prevented that to happen he would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted May 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot So they'd get fined, lose points and get suspended? Drivers are always mad at other drivers at some point. How many of them go and start beating on each other? Get real. He could have prevented Bristol, and didn't. He could have prevented Phoenix, and didn't. He could have prevented 2 wreck at Talladega, and didn't. I'm not saying he did it intentionally, that would be stupid. But, he is the person that turned into Mike Wallace and caused the big wreck. And he is the person who hit the wall and bounced into the 29 and 8. I wouldn't have been too upset about that second wreck, a lot of drivers hit the wall and bounce off into other cars. But, to immedately place the blame on the 29 and 8 for it and then to change his story after seeing a replay, go figure. If you start a wreck, at least be man enough to say you were at fault. Junior at Vegas, Gordon at Martinsville, Nemecheck in the Busch race at Dega. If you get to watch ESPNEWS in the next couple hours, watch the last 10 minutes and listen to Junior's interview. Pretty much sums up what I've been saying why I don't like JJ for the last year. He's got several drivers, including a teammate, pointing fingers at him now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot Thinik the only reason some of you are mad is cause the Truth Hurts!!!! Actually, I haven't seen what happened, so I can't really comment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted May 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] Thinik the only reason some of you are mad is cause the Truth Hurts!!!! Actually, I haven't seen what happened, so I can't really comment! [/ QUOTE ] The 8 bump drafted the 4 up to the outside of the 48. The 48 then cut to the right, hitting the 4 sending him into the 10 and resulted in the 25 car wreck. With 2 to go JJ was outside of the 29 and 8, hit the wall, bounced into the 29, taking out the 8, 29, 1 and 48, I think more cars too. JJ then immedately blamed the 29 and 8 for the wreck, but changed his tune as soon as FOX made him watch the replay during his interview. You were there, and didn't see it?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot Chrud, I was sitting in the frontstretch, that all happened on the back stretch, and I can't remeber what was shown on the JUMBOTRON!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiganbowhunter_SQ2 Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] Thinik the only reason some of you are mad is cause the Truth Hurts!!!! [/ QUOTE ] I think your right gator...i think both the 8 and the 48 are to blame for the first wreck...deffinetly the 48 on the second tho...don't think anyone is argueing that...some people just refuse to beleive that thier beloved earnhart jr could be partially at fault for a wreck that big Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot I remeber seeing the first wreck, and you're right, from what I could tell, it looked like jr was at partial fault, but as for the second, beats me!!!! Plus I didn't get to hear the interviews with the drivers and watch the wreck, so it's hard for me to have an opinion.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andrea Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot Okay....I don't have a "favorite driver". But it was plain to see that Dale Jr. gave that push to start the train wreck. It's all part of it though. Every driver out there knows they are gonna get pushed at sometime or another. And in order to win some...you gotta push some. You just hope none of these guys get hurt or die. Then again...we all secretly hope for a good wreck. If you say otherwise...you are lying!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] I guess that depends on what point of view you want to take...but to me it was just from one idiot to another..... [/ QUOTE ] Spoken like a true JJ fan...lol... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VABuckSlayer Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot I think both wrecks were racing deals. That stuff happens with restrictor plate racing. My problem with JJ is wanting to blame everyone else when IF you could blame anyone it would be him. It pissed me off at Vages when JR punted the 25 because I had the 25 in my fantacy league that week but at least he fessed up and said it was TOTALLY his fault. You won't here that come from JJ. When JJ said the 20 braked hard on purpose at Phoenix so he would run into him I was shocked. Who would want to purposely get wrecked when their running for the Chase? According to NASCAR.com he needs to get his act together because he's not making many friends lately. So they say. Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted May 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 Re: Dale Jr Calls Jimmie Johnson an Idiot [ QUOTE ] But it was plain to see that Dale Jr. gave that push to start the train wreck. [/ QUOTE ] Why all the smoke from the 48 car then? Junior pushed the 4 to the 48, but the 48 moved over to block and was too late. From Junior's in-car camera, he's not even touching the 4 when the 48 slammed into him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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