Jr. did make a couple bone head moves yesterday, no doubt about it. Missing his pit while running in 3rd and ending up at the end of the pack was mistake #1. He shows enough fortitude to march his ass from the back all the way up into 5th when he pulls bone head move #2 by placing 1 inch of his tire on the white pit box line. It was a proper call by the officials, but I agree putting him a lap down for that minor infraction was excessive.
As for the contact with Vickers I don't believe it was intentional at all. Was Vickers wrong for bumping Dale and forcing him below the yellow line when Dale had such an obvious run on him? Yes, because they were both racing for the lucky dog, but Earnhardt stated he was unaware of that fact. He was bewildered as to why Brian had blocked him. It was pretty evident from the post rain delay interview.
I also believe in Earnhardt's defense he was only trying to quickly correct his car and dive back in behind Vickers so as to not lose the draft. He cut it a little close and clipped Vickers. Was it intentional? No. Wasn't his brightest moment either. Having been in 3rd only to go to the end of the longest line, then work back up to 5th only to have a minor infraction put you a lap down tends to make one race just a little harder. Can't blame a man for that.
For every action, there's an opposite and equal reaction. "E" had a full head of steam coming in under Brian and Brian decided to attempt a block. Well WTF was Jr. supposed to do? Slam on his brakes and cause an accordion style pile up behind him? He only had one place to go and that was down low. He just cut back up too fast and was still carrying more speed than Brian.
Little "E" passed almost the entire field twice last night. Give credit where credit is due.
U.M.