Pop Secret 500 - Brian Vickers Notes

VICKERS AT CALIFORNIA: Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 25 GMAC Financial Services Chevrolets, has competed in two career events at California Speedway, qualifying sixth on both occasions. The 20-year-old finished 19th in last season's Busch Series event and 29th in May's NEXTEL Cup contest thanks to handling issues.

VICKERS VISITS CHILDREN IN CALIFORNIA: While visiting the ditech.com headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Wednesday, Vickers spent time with children from the Orangewood Children's Home. Located in Orange, Calif., the home is for children of Orange County who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. The residents range from infants up to 18 years of age.

'25' BRINGING INDY CAR TO CALI: For the second time this season, GMAC Racing will call upon Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 2552 this weekend at California Speedway. The car made its 2004 debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August, qualifying sixth.

BRIAN VICKERS, DRIVER OF THE NO. 25 GMAC FINANCIAL SERVICES CHEVROLETS: (HAS THE NO. 25 TEAM'S INTERMEDIATE-TRACK PROGRAM IMPROVED SINCE THE FIRST VISIT TO CALIFORNIA IN MAY?) "We've definitely improved and learned from the mistakes we made during the first California race. We've been able to try a lot of different things at the downforce-style tracks since May and have had good results. The improvements we've made will help us to really go after that first win at Fontana."

VICKERS: (ON BEING A PART OF THE FIRST EVENT UNDER THE LIGHT'S FOR NASCAR AT CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY.) "Getting one race in the No. 2 media market in the U.S. was huge for our sport back in 1997, but having two (races), one of which is under the lights now, is a very big step for NASCAR."