NASCAR is back with a bang after the Olympics. At the Richmond Raceway, Austin Dillon surprised everyone with a win at the short track, ahead of Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. However, his win did not come without controversy. Nearly everyone in NASCAR had an opinion on the incident, and Jimmie Johnson was one of the latest to react.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion made some very interesting analogies. According to him, Dillon’s antics reminded him strongly of the late great Dale Earnhardt. This is largely down to Dale Sr’s ‘Intimidator’ persona, where he had to win at all costs. The driver was infamous for sometimes roughing up his opponents, which people dubbed as ‘intimidating’.

But many have opined Austin Dillon is as far away from Dale Earnhardt as the Earth from its closest star. Don’t get me wrong, Dillon is a decent driver with five wins under his belt, including his latest one at Richmond. But isn’t comparing him one of the greatest NASCAR has ever seen, a bit too much? Well, fans were not one to sit quietly either as they came down heavily on the Legacy Motor Club owner. But before we get to that part, do you know why Austin Dillion’s win is being criticized?

What was so controversial about Austin Dillon’s move?

“We’re never, ever going to get taken seriously as a sport because we have no real officiating,” said Denny Hamlin after the Richmond race, despite finishing the race in P2. Joey Logano, on the other hand, put it all out: “He’s a piece of cr*p. He sucks. He’s sucked his whole career.” 

The controversial incident unfolded when Austin Dillon was battling Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin for the race lead. The race eventually went into overtime and there was a final restart, with Logano and Dillon at the front. When the green flag waved, it was the #22 Team Penske driver who got a better start. He rocketed ahead, but Dillon was right on his tail, and Hamlin was waiting to pick up the pieces.

Heading into the final corner on the final lap, second-placed Dillon made his move. He lunged for it, but not down the inside of the #22 Ford. Instead, he tapped the rear end of the car, sending it into a spin, including an infamous “WRECK HIM! WRECK HIM!!” from the #3’s spotter. This was the opportunity that Denny Hamlin was waiting for, to win a fourth Cook Out 400. However, Austin Dillon had other ideas and turned into the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver.

The result was him right-hooking Hamlin straight into the wall, and ensuring the win for himself. Naturally, Logano and Hamlin—usually each other’s bitter rivals—found common ground and a mutual enemy. Safe to say, not many people were impressed with the stunt, least of all, Jimmie Johnson.

One could say that his quip about the move giving him “Dale Sr vibes,” was not a compliment at all, but a jibe of sorts.

However, NASCAR fans, being known to have extremely varying opinions, were not having any of it from the former NASCAR champion.

NASCAR fans took offense to Jimmie Johnson’s insinuation

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The question of the hour: What exactly did Jimmie Johnson mean when he wrote, “Dale Sr vibes”? Was he comparing the Dillon to Earnhardt? Was he comparing Dillon’s aggressive driving to Earnhardt? Well, that’s not a question that will get answered anytime soon. However, as far as NASCAR fans were concerned, thay wanted him to keep Dale Sr and Dillon’s names out of his mouth.

Some people pointed out, “dale never right hooked anyone and dumped someone.” NASCAR historians, though, will point toward the heated rivalry that was bubbling between ‘The Intimidator’ and Michael Waltrip leading to an infamous clash during the 1986 Richmond race. However, contrary to how Dillon was out for blood last Sunday, Earnhardt was merely retaliating to a bump n’ run Waltrip had tried on him earlier.

He hooked Waltrip hard enough to send him slamming into the wall, and with a mangled car. Earnhardt didn’t escape the bump either as he spun, ending his chances at a win. Despite the dismal result, #3 had a clear warning: “Don’t mess with me or this is what you’ll get.”

Meanwhile, another fan took a dig at Jimmie Johnson himself. They grumbled, “Biggest L Jimmie has taken since he retired from full-time racing.”

Other responses noted that Dale Earnhardt was known for being ruthless, but wouldn’t stoop to this. According to some fans, “Dale Sr would have never done that,” and another fan doubled down on the same emotion, saying, “Dale wouldn’t have been this obvious.” Even his own fans were a bit incredulous with this take, “Jimmie, i love ya, but no.” 

One fan took it a step further, and asked, “When was Dale Sr 32nd in points?” Well, after his rare win, Austin Dillon is currently sitting 26th in the points standings, up by six spots, which is far from what Dale Earnhardt’s lowest position in the standings ever was.

Finally, there was that one section of the fanbase, who was offended at the comparison. As per one outraged fan, “austin dillon will NEVER be dale sr.” And they do have some sort of a point, to be fair. Dillon has lots to prove before he’s ready and well comparable to someone of the stature of Dale Earnhardt. What do you think?