Jimmie Johnson was intentionally vague about a scary crash Friday at a Good Sam 500 qualifying race that happened after his steering wheel came loose. He said that he wanted to talk it over with his team and wanted to avoid placing blame where it did not belong.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver took to Twitter later that night to say that the wheel coming loose was his fault and that he was thankful that the crash was not worse than it was. Johnson said he was "completely shocked" that the wheel came loose because he has been racing with detachable wheels his whole career but has never experienced that.
About qualifying, the steering wheel came off. I know my interview was vague, but wanted to tell the team first. I'm thankful for soft walls
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 12, 2016
Many have asked, yesterday is on me. Nothing is wrong with the wheel, coupler or steering shaft. I didn't get the wheel locked into place. — Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 12, 2016
Speaking more at length on Saturday, Johnson took responsibility for the steering wheel coming loose, saying that it was one of the scariest moments of his racing career. He also said that he plans to make some changes to his pre-race routine.
"Just grateful I drive in an era with such a safe driver's compartment, softer walls, (Head And Neck Support) device, all those things," Johnson said. "Years ago, that probably would have been a concussion at a minimum. To feel as good as I do - no sore spots, no aches or pains - is really good.
"We have lines in the steering shaft to make sure your steering wheel is straight. I'm going to add an additional line to make sure that the steering wheel is on far enough and hopefully, it's locked at that point."
"When you go to the wall like that it hurts ... it really hurts."- @JeffGordonWeb #NASCAR @JimmieJohnson https://t.co/1rxiwnSu0a
— FOX SPORTS: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 12, 2016
"When you go to the wall like that it hurts ... it really hurts."- @JeffGordonWeb #NASCAR @JimmieJohnson https://t.co/1rxiwnSu0a — FOX SPORTS: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 12, 2016
Johnson will race in the Good Sam 500 on Sunday with a backup car. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch won the poll Friday and was trailed by two teammates: Carl Edwards and Denny Hamlin. Matt Kenseth, also a JGR driver, will start sixth.
"I've always believed that my belts, my HANS, my helmet being buckled and my steering wheel is my responsibility," Johnson said Saturday. "Members on the team say, 'This one is on me.' That's not the case.
"It's the driver's responsibility to make sure he's safe. And those three or four connection points are my lifeline. This is on me. I'm completely shocked it happened to me."
