Johnson unleashes personality with criticism of Hornish Jr

Johnson is glad Hornish is not in Shootout (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Four-time champion Jimmie Johnson has never seemed to be the driver to hold a grudge. In 2005, he was critical of Kevin Harvick, but that was quickly resolved. He and Tony Stewart engaged in some tussles, but they were joking with each other as they emerged from the NASCAR hauler, or principal’s office. He publicly criticized his former teammate Brian Vickers after a last lap accident at Talladega in 2006, but reconciliation shortly followed the incident.

Contrary to his forbearing nature, he is still steaming from an incident that occurred at Texas three months ago. On lap three of the 334-lap event, Sam Hornish Jr received a slight tap from David Reutimann. The little tap cause Hornish Jr to snap loose, as he hit the No. 48, sending Johnson into the wall, and into the garage for repairs. Johnson, who had a significant lead in the championship standings, saw his lead shrink. Ultimately, Johnson won another Sprint Cup title, and it seemed as if this incident was a distant memory. Well, Jimmie reminded us of the contact on Thursday’s media circus.

The typically serene driver, with no hesitation, revealed his frustration with the three-time IRL champion.

“The guy I wouldn’t want to learn from would be Sam Hornish. He hits way too much stuff, including me. And still today, he’s never said a word about it. At this point, I wish he would walk up and say, ‘Man, I meant to crash you’…But the guy just doesn’t talk. He doesn’t say anything,” Johnson said.

Come on, Jimmie, tell us what you really think.

As a professional, surely Johnson reviewed a video clip of the accident. Surely, he understands what transpired prior to his car slamming the wall. I am sure he is aware that Hornish is not fully to blame. With that said, it does not seem to be the actual wreck that has irked Johnson. The problem seems to stem from the fact that Hornish has yet to offer Johnson a personal apology, which is somewhat understandable.

Most drivers expect others to display some kind of repentance following an at-fault incident. However, a driver’s personality will affect how they respond to instances such as this. Every driver in the garage carries a separate persona, which is a good thing. Some drivers are ready to hash things out as soon as the checkered flag falls. Others would rather allow the dust to settle. Some may try avoid the confrontation altogether, hoping that it blows over. I think that having an assortment of personalities is a positive aspect of our sport. Being outspoken and boisterous is not a bad thing; neither is being timid and shy.

Hornish is shy and understated by nature. He does not have an assertive personality off the track. He is less likely to seek out another driver. That does not indicate that he is an impenitent jerk.

Hornish even admitted his shyness when responding to Johnson’s fiery quotes.

“I have a hard time talking to people that want to talk to me, being the shy person that I am. So I sure didn’t want to talk to some guy who wants to beat me up,” he quipped.

He did state that he would approach Johnson the next time he saw him. He also stated that he was surprised by Johnson’s words.

“Jimmie’s had ample opportunity to look at the tape (replay).”

After four championships and a zillion wins, we may be starting to see a different side of Jimmie Johnson. He may have some assertiveness hiding behind his relaxed corporate pleasing demeanor.