Mears to replace Vickers in NASCAR all-star race
Wednesday, May. 19, 2010
Red Ball Racing announced Wednesday driver Brian Vickers would not be able to compete in Saturday's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Vickers missed last weekend's Cup race at Dover, Del., after being diagnosed with blood clots in his veins and near his lung. He continues to receive treatment for the condition.
Vickers, by virtue of his win last August at Michigan International Speedway, had qualified for this season's all-star race. Red Bull sought special permission from Sprint Cup series director John Darby to allow Casey Mears to drive the No. 83 Toyota in Vickers' place.
"Certainly, these were special circumstances for a non-points race," said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp. "Given that, it was the logical and right decision for the series director to make."
Mears substituted for Vickers at Dover last week. No decision has been made for next week's Coca-Cola 600.
"Given the extenuating circumstances we have dealt with this past week regarding Brian's health, we would like to thank NASCAR for their assistance and understanding of this unique situation by allowing us to compete in the all-star race," said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing's general manager.
Frye and Vickers are expected to attend a news conference at 2 p.m. Friday at CMS to answer questions about the driver's future.
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