Newman/Gordon spar postrace at Dover

Ryan Newman exchanged words with Jeff Gordon following Sunday's race at Dover after Gordon made an offhanded comment to the Richard Childress Racing driver while walking toward the garage.

Gordon told Newman, "Thanks for the help" in regards to how he raced Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott late in the Apache Warrior 400. Elliott – driving the car Gordon did for 23 seasons – was leading and looking for his first career win when he had a hard time getting around Newman.

Newman was trying to stay on the lead lap and fighting to advance in the playoffs. Elliott, however, eventually lost the lead and finished second.

Here was the exchange, as caught by NBC Sports cameras:

"I said, 'thanks for the help!'""You said it as a smartass."Here's Ryan Newman & Jeff Gordon's altercation after the race!#NASCARPlayoffspic.twitter.com/pG2SdYUlbr— NBC Sports (@NBCSports)October 1, 2017

"Thanks for the help," Gordon said.

"For what?" Newman asked.

Gordon: "What was happening with the leaders, man."

Newman: "You don't think I was racing for my own position?"

Gordon: "I didn't say you weren't."

Newman: "Just watch what you say, man."

Gordon: "I said, 'Thanks for the help,'"

Newman: "You said it as a smart-ass."

Gordon: "No, I didn't. You took it that way."

Later in the garage, Gordon was seen to have his arm around Newman as the two looked to be in much lighter spirits.