Bowyer and Gordon still not speaking about Phoenix

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Not even the party atmosphere in Las Vegas can cut the tension between Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer.

The drivers haven't spoken since Gordon intentionally wrecked Bowyer at Phoenix on Nov. 11, an incident that triggered a garage-area melee between their crews and earned Gordon a $100,000 fine from NASCAR.

Gordon said Thursday that the season-ending activities this week in Las Vegas have been "awkward'' because he and Bowyer have not socialized. Bowyer is popular among the other drivers and considered the life of the party.

Bowyer, meanwhile, still doesn't want to discuss the incident and indicated he's not ready to resolve the issue with Gordon.

Bowyer also seemed to get agitated that the Gordon incident is even a topic of discussion.