Drivers react to Jeff Gordon-Clint Bowyer fight
NASCAR set a precedent two years ago by allowing drivers to retaliate and settle their differences on the track, implementing its infamous “boys have at it" policy, which has led to several instances of retaliation.
Still known as one of NASCAR’s most aggressive drivers, Brad Keselowski said NASCAR should stop such retaliation.
“We’ve got a bunch of drivers that feel like they have to retaliate or they’re being challenged as a man, and that’s ridiculous," Keselowski said. “It’s not what this sport needs. I don’t think it’s good for anybody, and it’s going to get somebody hurt."
Here’s a sampling of the reaction from NASCAR competitors:
“I'll say the same thing I told @NASCAR & media. Reached my limit, tired of getting run into by 15. Sorry to the other guys involved." — Jeff Gordon
“When I was young I thought @JeffGordonWeb was the best driver. Now I've lost a lot of respect for him. #verydumb" — Joey Logano, who got caught up in the wreck when Gordon wrecked Bowyer
“The 24 should be parked! He took out 5 cars in that BS!" — Denny Hamlin
“@ivandebosch: "@dennyhamlin BTW it was CB that started the BS" love ya Ingrid but your man was wrong. He wrecked trying to wreck 15 first" — Denny Hamlin, responding to a tweet from Gordon’s wife, Ingrid Vandebosch
“To all the 24 fans. I'm not disrespecting a 4 time champ, A 4 time champ disrespected me today" — Logano
“I love it!! Wish they would let em fight! I think everyone is to politically correct in NASCAR" — former Sprint Cup crew chief Jimmy Elledge
“they call it "boys have at it", I call it "old school", you hit me once I'll hit you twice!" — Hall of Fame drivers and TV analyst Darrell Waltrip
“Maybe Clint and Jeff were just trying to get the hockey crowd to Nascar since the NHL is still on strike! That must be it lol" — AJ Allmendinger
“I think we should call Humpy Wheeler and let him referee a boxing match next week! You Sign me up." — David Ragan
“I think it's only fair to park Jeff Gordon at homestead. They have done it before" — David Stremme
“Ah does anyone need a junk yard? There is now one at phoenix international raceway! Holy crap" — Allmendinger
“Omg (Bowyer) and Jeff are like the last two people out there to pull that Gangster Stuff!! So cool to see those guys lay it down!!" — Scott Speed
“U stay classy Jeff Gordon!!!! Good lord" — Speed
“Clint looked like he wanted to do the Stone Cold Stunner on Jeff lol" — Allmendinger
“@ClintBowyer you are the man" — TJ Bell Sporting News