Patrick criticism dominates build-up

Immediately after the Iowa event, an angered Dixon called Patrick "a menace."

That comment became a running, week-long story, with both drivers being asked about it throughout the build-up to tonight's Richmond round.

"I guess I should have expected it," Dixon said. "You've got to be careful. Danica's got a lot of fantastic fans. When you say something about another driver, I think their fans get more (angry) than the driver."

Patrick said she was surprised both by Dixon's comments and those of Ed Carpenter, who also blasted Patrick after the Iowa race, and by the longevity of the story, which has dominated the Richmond press conferences and briefings.

"I have to say I am surprised because I don't know where it's coming from," Patrick said. "It is a surprise."

Carpenter said Patrick did her "normal supreme blocking job," then compared her with a former IndyCar driver: "She's the new Scott Sharp of the series, as far as I'm concerned."

Neither Carpenter nor Dixon has spoken to Patrick since the Iowa race.

On Friday, Carpenter said he knew his comments - made after he crashed early in the Iowa race, in an incident that didn't involve Patrick - would be under scrutiny throughout the week leading up to Richmond.

"She makes news," Carpenter said. "Whether she says something or other drivers say something about her, it makes the news. It's good for the sport. It takes on a life of it's own, but it's not the first time it's happened.

"It's racing. Your emotions run high and you say things. I didn't say anything I didn't mean, so that's all that matters."