CORNELIUS, N.C. — In some respects the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season begins Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway for Brian Vickers and the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine.
That’s perfect with Vickers.
He finished fifth and fourth in the spring and summer races at the half-mile, high-banked track last year and posted an eighth-place finish in March.
He’s now the driver for the Aaron’s Dream Machine for the remainder of this season, except at Talladega, and the full-time driver for multiple years beginning next season. Vickers’ story is more than just a race car driver getting into a race car. His is a story of overcoming professional and health obstacles that would have stymied others.
VICKERS STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS: “I was diagnosed with blood clots in 2010. Essentially my lungs stopped working and I couldn’t breathe and went to the emergency room. Luckily they figured out what it was before they completely stopped. It was a pretty painful experience and I was in and out of the hospital for about a month and then on blood thinners for six months and out of the car for the rest of the season. I came back in 2011 with Red Bull and then unfortunately Red Bull decided to shut down so was in a situation in 2012 not knowing what was next. There weren’t many good rides available. There were a couple of opportunities but nothing I was really excited about and then the chance with MWR and Aaron’s and the No. 55 Dream Machine came available. Unfortunately, it was only six races at the time but it was still a winning race car with a crew and a crew chief that I felt confident I could win with. I jumped at that opportunity to partner with Mark (Martin) and I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity. We were able to run well which led to more races last year and this year and then subsequently to a full-time ride again in the Sprint Cup Series. I don’t think it has actually sunk in. I mean, it’s one of those things similar to the win in Loudon: it just takes time for it to settle in and to appreciate all that it is. It’s a thrilling opportunity for me, especially after everything that’s happened. If everything in the last 10 or so years in my NASCAR career had gone perfect, it would still be a thrilling opportunity. I’m very thankful and excited about the future.”
PHILOSOPHY: “Well, it’s been a long road. I think, not to make it too simple, but don’t ever give up. You never know what the future holds. You never know what’s coming next. It’s tough. That’s part of life. There’s always going to be ups and downs. You’ve just got to keep digging and not give up. For me, I certainly can’t take all the credit, because it’s been the support of my family, the qualities my parents instilled in me, the support of them and my friends that have helped through all that, surrounding yourself with good people that have your back no matter what, that love you unconditionally, support you through the tough times, whether they’re out of your control or maybe they were in your control. That’s probably one of the biggest things. I’ve been fortunate to find some quality people and have a great family. Just keep fighting, keep digging, try to keep a positive attitude the best you can. You’re not always going to have that, but you just do your best, have faith that the tides will turn.”
NOTES:
· MWR AT BRISTOL: In the last three races at Bristol the three MWR drivers own the best average finish.
· CHASSIS: 776 raced by Mark Martin in June at Michigan Intl. Speedway. Finished 26th.
· VICKERS AT BRISTOL: Vickers owns two top-five and three top-10 finishes in 17 starts. He’s led 127 laps. He’s finished in the top eight in the last three races at Bristol driving the No. 55.
· CAREER STATS: Vickers owns three Sprint Cup, three Nationwide and a Sprint Open victory. He’s led 1,189 laps in Sprint Cup competition. He’s won 11 Sprint Cup poles. Vickers has started 272 Sprint Cup races and 140 Nationwide. He is the 2003 Nationwide Series Champion.
· MWR in 2013: MWR has combined to record two wins (Truex Jr. – Sonoma; Vickers – Loudon-1), 17 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes. The three-car team has led 490 laps and won one pole award (M. Martin – Phoenix-1). Bowyer currently ranks second in points trailing Jimmie Johnson by 41 and could clinch his Chase for the Sprint Cup berth this weekend at Bristol. Truex Jr., with one win, is in the second and final transfer spot with three races remaining. The No. 55 is battling for a wildcard in the owner’s championship.
· SOCIAL STOP: Make MWR’s “Social Stop” your second screen to follow all the racing and social media action when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races this weekend. MWR’s “Social Stop” goes live race morning allowing fans to view information from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube all on one page. Twitter feeds from MWR drivers, media members and NASCAR fans will populate the page. Visitors can also interact with fellow race fans and answer poll questions on the page. Visit www.facebook.com/michaelwaltripracing or www.MichaelWaltripRacing.com/social.
· 55 CREW:
Crew Chief – Rodney Childers
Car Chief/7thman – Steve Channing
Front Changer – Ryan Langley
Rear Changer – Shannon Myers
Front Carrier – Chris Hall
Rear Carrier – Mark Kennerly
Jackman – Tony Cardamone
Gas man – Brian Dheel
2nd Gas Man – Kelly Johnson
Spotter – Jeremy Brickhouse
Engineer – Billy Scott
2nd Engineer – Scott McDougall
Tires – Kevin White
Eng.Tuner – Denny Chandler (TRD)
Shocks – Mike (Nook) McCarville
Front Mechanic – Jacen Johns
Interior Mech. – David Cropps
Truck Driver – Glenn Shano
2nd Truck Driver – John Murphy
Pit Coach – Greg Miller
Dir. Race Eng. – Chad Walter
Ex. VP Engineering – Tom German
Ex. VP Comp. – Scott Miller
· FOLLOW 55 ON TWITTER:
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> @brianlvickers
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> @mw55
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> @rchilders55
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> @mwrteam
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> @aaronssports
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> @aarons_inc
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> @toyotaracing
· NO. 55 in 2014: Aaron’s, Inc. announced Aug. 13 it had reached a multi-year agreement to sponsor Vickers in the No. 55. Vickers has raced the No. 55 on a part-time basis the last two seasons for MWR posting several impressive performances including his third career victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14. Beginning in 2014, he’ll pilot the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine with a fresh new paint scheme. Aaron’s will sponsor each race during the length of the agreement.
· AARON’S: At Aaron’s you’re pre-approved for up to $2000 in merchandise – without needing credit. Choose from the best brand names in furniture, electronics, appliances and computers. Do you know why more than 1.6 million people are leasing to own with Aaron’s right now? Because it’s easy and affordable to own the Aarons way – without using credit. Aaron’s has over 2000 stores nationwide – that’s major buying power and Aaron’s always passes the savings along to you.
