Vickers is Back in Action!

The Sheriff is in town! Brian Vickers, former Red Bull Racing driver, has reeled in a 6-race deal with Michael Waltrip Racing. Elliott Sadler was going to run this minor schedule prior to his Nationwide win at Phoenix, but his boss Richard Childress pulled him out. Sadler's goal is to win a Nationwide championship and Childress thought the Cup schedule would get in the way of it. So, with that said Michael Waltrip needed a driver to fill the 5 race gap in the 55 car. Mark Martin is signed for the bulk of the schedule with 24 races. Waltrip himself will be in the Toyota for 4 races.

Brian Vickers ended the 2011 season sour. After causing 5 cautions at Martinsville, including a intentional "bump" to Matt Kenseth, no team wanted him to pilot their race car. This caused a disappointing off-season as he entered 2012 without a ride. Fortunately, MWR needed a driver and was willing to give the 28-year-old a second chance.

"I believe in second chances, and this is great opportunity for us and Brian," Michael Waltrip said. "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."

"I am thrilled to get back behind the wheel of not just a race car, but a very fast race car," Vickers said. "I'm lucky to find a ride of this quality so early in the season."

Vickers will compete in 6 races throughout the 2012 season, even taking over the second race at New Hampshire that was scheduled for veteran driver, Mark Martin. Vickers schedule includes; 2 Bristol, 2 New Hampshire and 2 Martinsville races. A road course experienced driver, yet to be announced, will run the No. 55 car at Sonoma and Watkins Glen.