Daytona 500 - Brian Vickers Notes

SOPHOMORE KICKOFF FOR VICKERS:
Driving the No. 25 GMAC/ditech.com Chevrolet, Brian Vickers, 21, will be competing in his second Daytona 500 on Sunday. In last year's running of the 500-mile event, the Thomasville, N.C., native finished 39th after being involved in an early accident while running inside the top-10. Vickers rebounded nicely to post a ninth-place result in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in July.

CHANGES FOR '25':
There were several personnel changes made to the No. 25 GMAC Racing team during the off-season. In addition to Lance McGrew (crew chief) and Brian Whitesell (team manager, Nos. 5, 25 and 44) being named to their respective positions, over-the-wall pit-crew members Chris Hamilton (catch-can), Mike Moore (jackman) and Matt Myers (rear-tire carrier) have joined the squad for 2005.

ULTIMATE RACE FAN WEEKEND:
Tune in to SPEED Channel Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. ET as Vickers helps ditech.com kick off the NASCAR Ultimate Race Fan Weekend. Watch as 2004 Ultimate Racing Room grand-prize winner Brent Lee and his wife, Houda, experience a VIP weekend, courtesy of ditech.com, and have their house remodeled to include a racing-themed room like no other. The program will re-air Feb. 16 at 11 p.m., Feb. 17 at 1 p.m., and Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. (all times eastern).

BRIAN VICKERS, DRIVER OF THE NO. 25 GMAC/ditech.com CHEVROLETS:
(YOU CAME INTO THE DAYTONA 500 AS A ROOKIE LAST YEAR. HOW MUCH BETTER PREPARED ARE YOU WITH ONE SEASON UNDER YOUR BELT?) "Based on what I know now, I've tried to approach this year in a lot of different ways. How I handle my schedule, where I take advantage of time to be with family, friends and at the shop. I already don't feel as tired coming into the beginning of the season as I did last year. I felt worn out in 2004 because I wasn't as prepared for certain things. That's going to be a big help, along with a lot of the changes on our team. I'm really excited and looking forward to this year, especially after having one under my belt."

VICKERS: (YOU WON THE 2003 BUSCH SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP WITH LANCE McGREW AS CREW CHIEF. CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE REUNITED WITH HIM?) "From the first words Lance and I spoke over the radio during testing at Daytona last month, it was like nothing had changed -- like we'd been together all along. I've had several crew chiefs during my racing career, but never have I had the kind of communication I have with Lance. He's been busy getting adjusted and trying to get everything up to speed, but I feel like we're going to turn some heads after a few races. I'm really excited."

VICKERS: (THE DAYTONA INFIELD LOOKS MUCH DIFFERENT THIS YEAR. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES?) "This place has changed so much. And it's good. Daytona was a little overdue for a revamp for the fans and the teams. The viewing windows in the garage stalls will take some getting used to, though. You kind of get the feeling you're in a fishbowl. But we're in a fan-friendly sport and the one thing that has always been said about NASCAR is the access they have. That's what it's all about. It seems a little weird, but the fans should know that we're glad they're here. I understand because I'm a fan, too."

VICKERS: (ANY OBSERVATIONS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT'S BUD SHOOTOUT THAT YOU'LL CARRY INTO THE GATORADE DUEL AND THE DAYTONA 500?) "You're going to see a lot more bump drafting. And the bump drafting you do see will be a little more aggressive than everyone is used to. The restrictor-plate change coupled with the current aero-package requires you to literally 'knock' the car in front of you to help engage the draft. Having the proper bracing of your front and rear bumpers will be important."