Jimmy Johnson Takes Blame For Jeff Gordon’s Wreck

Sunday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway, four-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson took the blame for making a mistake that in the end led to teammate Jeff Gordon’s wreck.

According to Johnson, he was trying to slide in front of Gordon late in Sunday’s race so the two Hendrick Motorsports drivers could draft together toward the front.

He miscalculated Gordon’s speed and in effect blocked him, forcing the number 24 to retreat into the pack. From that position, Gordon was involved in a multi-car crash.

Gordon finished in 22nd-place. He was furious with his teammate after the race.

“The 48 is testing my patience, I can tell you that,” Gordon said. “It takes a lot to make me mad.”

Once Johnson heard that his teammate was so upset, he took full responsibility for what happened out on the track.

“I misjudged the closing rate,” Johnson told The Associated Press. “We all make mistakes, I am no different. Certainly, that was my fault. I made the mistake there.”