DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, and Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, are involved in an on-track incident with several other cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

Jimmie Johnson shifts the blame for crashes at Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson made it clear who not to blame for crashes at Daytona.

There were two massive crashes at Daytona that swept up several drivers in the field, and seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson was one of the many drivers eliminated during the wrecks.

Several young drivers were involved in the crashes, including Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney, but Johnson said veteran drivers were just as much to blame because they're usually more aggressive.

"In that instance, it looked like it [was down to younger drivers], but I'm not picking on the young guys by any stretch," Johnson said via AutoSport.

"Veterans typically cause more problems out there, because we have more confidence and experience and usually create more issues than the young guys do.

"We are going way faster with this rear ride height rule."

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Johnson said some drivers were treating the end of stages like it was the end of the race, and they were trying to block drivers from passing them.

He thinks blocking at the end of stages led to unnecessary crashes during the race.

Most veteran drivers — and even fans — are quick to blame young drivers for causing big wrecks. So it's interesting to hear Johnson's perspective, and it makes sense because older drivers are more likely to be more aggressive.

Johnson will look for a better result this Sunday at the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.