Michael Waltrip Racing hires Brian Vickers for six races

Without a full-time ride, Brian Vickers accepts a six race
deal with Michael Waltrip Racing.
Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs 
It's official, Brian Vickers is back!

I called it earlier this week, stating that I believed that Michael Waltrip Racing's best and only option was Vickers, and apparently they agreed.

Starting at Bristol on March 18, Vickers signed for a total of six races which include both Bristol races, both races at Martinsville and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Vickers, left without a ride after the demise of Red Bull Racing, is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel.

“I am thrilled to get back behind the wheel of not just a race car, but a very fast race car,” said Vickers.

“I’m lucky to find a ride of this quality so early in the season. That Toyota won the pole last weekend in Phoenix and you saw it up front throughout the race. I know how good (crew chief) Rodney Childers and team are. I’ve known Rodney since I was eight years old. This car is tied for sixth in points right now. This is going to be fun. I appreciate the opportunity Michael and the entire MWR organization are giving me.”

Vickers' resume speaks for itself. Having earned Toyota their first Chase berth in 2009, Vickers also has two wins, 21 top fives and 57 top 10s along with 11 career pole awards.

Michael Waltrip said of his new driver, "Brian Vickers is a veteran driver with almost 10 years experience, but he hasn’t even turned 30 yet."

“He’s shown he can win at this level and we have every confidence he’ll run well with us. I believe in second chances and this is great opportunity for us and Brian. He wants to show the world how good he really is and we believe in the equipment and people we’re putting him with in 2012.”

Mark Martin, Waltrip, Vickers and a yet-to-be-named road course ringer will all be sharing the driving duties throughout the season with Martin driving 24 of the races.
Michael Waltrip Racing hires Brian Vickers for six races Michael Waltrip Racing hires Brian Vickers for six races Reviewed by Unknown on Thursday, March 08, 2012 Rating: 5