Six-time and defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson says there is not bad blood between him and crew chief Chad Knaus.
According to Johnon, it was just due to frustration over how the Hendrick Motorsports team is performing.
He said "Frustration is high, for sure. Chad and I, in our relationship, have had these peaks and valleys. We've had times where there has been plenty of frustration on the radio. But who we are and what we are as a team and the way our relationship works and us moving forward - things are still as they have always been."
Adding "It isn't fun, and I'm sure people hear plenty of colorful things from drivers and crew chiefs during the course of a race. Last weekend there was plenty of color on our channel. It just comes with the territory. We're not happy with where we're at, and I don't know why we would be."
Johnson needs to win Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway to remain eligible for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.
He has three wins this season, and two career victories at Talladega. Johnson said he and Knaus are approaching Sunday with a must-win mentality.
He said "Granted, it's a tough one and a lofty goal. There are many other guys out there with the same goal, not only from a Chase situation but also trying to win a race this year. I've got a lot of work ahead for myself and this team this weekend, so we're ready for the challenge. We'll get out there to work and see what happens."
Aside from Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is also going in to Talladega with the intention of winning. Earnhardt was dropped to last in the 12-driver field when his shifter broke at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday. He needs a clear victory in the Talladega if he wants move ahead in the third round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.
Earnhardt now has three victories this season and he knew what he needs to do to cope up.
He said "the facts are the facts. We are going to Talladega to try to win. We'll see what happens from there. We've had two pretty bad races, and we still have a chance to win it. We appreciate that."
