Burton shares words, temper with Earnhardt Jr.

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- What would racing at Bristol under the lights be without confrontations?

Ward Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't disappoint.

On lap 402 of the Sharpie 500, Burton and Earnhardt Jr. were battling for the 12th position when Burton ending up spinning in Turn 3 of the .533-mile, concrete oval. As his No. 22 Dodge spun to the apron, Earnhardt Jr. continued on in the No. 8 Chevrolet.

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After the wreck, Burton was heard to say on his radio, "You tell Jr. when I get out of this (car), I'm going to go find him."

He didn't have to wait long.

After Burton quickly exited his car, he stood at the edge of the racing surface with helmet on and the heat shields for his heels in hand. As Earnhardt Jr. approached him, Burton stepped toward the red Chevy with his arms raised to his sides.

When Earnhardt Jr. got to him, Burton threw the silver shields at the car. As the crowd cheered wildly, Burton thrust his arms upward in a triumphant manner -- much to the crowd's delight.

After arriving in the garage area, Burton was still upset when asked about the incident.

"Dale Jr. didn't take his time," Burton said. "I mean, we've been giving and taking all day. I have some really good words for him, but I can't say them on TV. I gotta just control myself at the moment."

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Burton was asked about his throwing of the heat shields at Earnhardt Jr's car. Apparently, he wished he had some other artillery to make his point.

"I wish I had something I could have shot through the window," Burton said.

Earnhardt Jr. said he felt bad about what happened and it wasn't intentional. But, he would have liked to know what was thrown at him as he went by Burton.

"I am real disappointed that happened," Earnhardt Jr. said. "I don't really keep it no secret when I wreck somebody. I don't do it that often.

"Hopefully, Ward realizes that wasn't intentional. I got a run up on him off of Turn 2 and he made a real abrupt entry into Turn 3 and I checked up and couldn't get out from under him to keep from spinning him out.

"I tried slamming on the brakes to keep from spinning him out. I know he's upset, he showed his emotions there and was real comfortable."

"I was disappointed he didn't get whatever he threw right into the car. I would have liked to have seen what it was."