Fast Times
A NASCAR BLOG BY Kris Johnson
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Burton bites back
Mar
31
Say this for tiny Martinsville Speedway: It can make even the most even-keeled competitor cranky.
Jeff Burton appeared more than a little miffed at Michael McDowell, the Michael Waltrip Racing rookie who made his Cup debut in the No. 00 Toyota at Martinsville.
Burton, who finished third, looked like he had something for leader and eventual winner Denny Hamlin in the closing laps but McDowell competed hard against the Cup veteran. In Burton’s mind, too hard, for somebody running three laps down.
“I thought we were going to be in pretty good shape, but that kid in the double zero car, he needs to learn some manners or he is going to get taught. He can choose to do it the way he wants to. The hard way or the easy way, but one way or another he’ll get taught,” Burton said.
The voice of reason in NASCAR’s garage area, Burton’s words always resonate, but this time they were tinged with frustration – the kind that Martinsville tends to inspire among drivers both young and old.
It wouldn’t surprise me if – after having a day or two to reflect – one of the sport’s most respected drivers offered some words of encouragement to NASCAR’s newest competitor.
But Burton, ever the diplomat, will surely get his point across, too.
Jeff Burton appeared more than a little miffed at Michael McDowell, the Michael Waltrip Racing rookie who made his Cup debut in the No. 00 Toyota at Martinsville.
Burton, who finished third, looked like he had something for leader and eventual winner Denny Hamlin in the closing laps but McDowell competed hard against the Cup veteran. In Burton’s mind, too hard, for somebody running three laps down.
“I thought we were going to be in pretty good shape, but that kid in the double zero car, he needs to learn some manners or he is going to get taught. He can choose to do it the way he wants to. The hard way or the easy way, but one way or another he’ll get taught,” Burton said.
The voice of reason in NASCAR’s garage area, Burton’s words always resonate, but this time they were tinged with frustration – the kind that Martinsville tends to inspire among drivers both young and old.
It wouldn’t surprise me if – after having a day or two to reflect – one of the sport’s most respected drivers offered some words of encouragement to NASCAR’s newest competitor.
But Burton, ever the diplomat, will surely get his point across, too.
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Comments
2 responses to "Burton bites back "
Larry Spaulding said:
Apr 1, 2008 at 7:46 AMJeff must have been watching a race that I was not watching. At that point in the race, Michael McDowell had JUST went 1 lap down, not 3. Larry
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» Confirm Abuse ReportDavids Lyons said:
Apr 1, 2008 at 8:43 AMLooked to me like Jeff was having a hard time keeping up with McDowell. If I remember correctly McDowell had just gone a lap down to the leader. McDowell got out of the way on the high side before he got punted and cut a tire in the process which caused him to have to pit. But I may be wrong.
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