BOB BAUM
AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson says he probably blamed Sam Hornish a little too much for their costly run-in last week at Texas Motor Speedway.
Johnson wrecked three laps into the race after contact with Hornish. The accident meant his team had to totally rebuild his car, leading to a 38th-place finish.
That cut Johnson's lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship from 184 points to 73.
Johnson says he's since talked with David Reutimann, whose car tapped Hornish to trigger the accident.
The three-time defending series champion says he tries not to place blame too much, and his harsh postrace words for Hornish were sparked by the frustration of watching his points lead shrink.
