Dale Earnhardt Jr. says fans like confrontations

Dale Earnhardt Jr. understands why many fans like when drivers are involved in feuds and emotion.(Getty Images)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. thinks drama and altercations like the many that broke out at Bristol last week are what many fans enjoy.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver believes displays of emotions and feuds generate fan interest.

"People like to watch train wrecks and people like to watch controversy," Earnhardt said Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "We're all intrigued and you love to be a voyeur and check it out. Most of us dislike being in that situation when it happens, but it sure is entertaining to watch."

Junior thinks watching drivers work out their differences helps some fans connect with what might be going on in their lives.

"I'm sure everybody watching the race has somebody's neck they'd like to wring," Earnhardt Jr. said. "There's probably a co-worker or two they wouldn't mind running their fist into his face.

"....really connect to that emotion. It's like if you're driving down the road and somebody cuts you off on the highway, you'd like to shoot them the bird or something. And maybe you do."

Although like most drivers Earnhardt would rather not be swept up into one of these high-emotion incidents, he admits watching is a whole lot of fun.

"What's funny to the majority is going to be funny to a race car driver," he said. "Especially if you had a history with either one of the guys involved in the deal, it makes it a little more personal.

"It's just as entertaining to me as it is to you or anybody else."