NASCAR Sprint-Cup Series
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CUP: Waltrip Picks Vickers For No. 55 Toyota
Brian Vickers will return to Sprint Cup racing part-time for Michael Waltrip Racing…
Mike Hembree  |  Posted March 08, 2012   Charlotte, NC
Brian Vickers has been tapped by Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the No. 55 Toyota. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Brian Vickers is back.

After a dismal 2011 season that ended with the closing of Red Bull Racing and his loss of a ride, Vickers has signed on with Michael Waltrip Racing to run the No. 55 Toyota in six Sprint Cup races.

Vickers replaces Elliott Sadler,who had agreed to drive the car but reversed that plan after a discussion with Richard Childress, his team owner in Nationwide racing.

Vickers is scheduled to drive the No. 55 in both races at Bristol, Martinsville and New Hampshire.

Mark Martin and team owner Michael Waltrip also are scheduled to drive the car in selected races this year.

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

“I’m lucky to find a ride of this quality so early in the season. That Toyota won the pole last weekend in Phoenix (with Martin driving), 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 8years 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.”

Waltrip said Vickers “has 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 a great opportunity for usand 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.”
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