VICKERS' PIR PERFORMANCE:
In two career NEXTEL Cup starts at Phoenix International Raceway, Brian Vickers has never qualified worse than second -- earning a pair of outside pole positions -- and maintains an average finish of 15.5.
ON THIS DATE:
On April 23, 1989, Darrell Waltrip started 10th, led the most laps and won at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, marking the third of six victories for the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports team that season. Geoffrey Bodine, Waltrip's Hendrick teammate, started from the pole that same day.
WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME:
With seven starts under his belt this season, Vickers has been a victim of four on-track incidents -- none of his making -- and one engine-related setback. In the two problem-free races, the 21-year-old has finished sixth (a career high) and 12th.
TEAMMATES HIT THE ROAD COURSE:
Following Sunday's NEXTEL Cup event at Texas, Vickers and Busch flew directly to Phoenix, where the teammates are taking part in Bob Bondurant's Road Racing School. The three-day session will help prepare the duo for the upcoming road-course events at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.
CHASSIS NO. 295 FOR VICKERS:
Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 295 will see its first action of 2005 when GMAC Racing unloads Thursday. The car has been outfitted with a brand new sheet-metal body for Phoenix.
BRIAN VICKERS, DRIVER OF THE NO. 25 GMAC/ditech.com CHEVROLETS:
(ON HIS TEAM'S LUCK THIS SEASON.) "It's like we're carrying around a magnet in our car and trouble is attracted to it. We've been in the wrong place at the wrong time on too many occasions so far this season. It gets frustrating at times because I know we've had good cars, but we don't have the results to show it. After getting out of the car at Texas I saw one of my guys (on the team) and we just looked at one another puzzled. We just can't seem to catch a break."
VICKERS:
(WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE TWILIGHT RACE AT PHOENIX?) "For the fans, the racing will improve as the night progresses because the cooler track temperatures will provide a lot more grip. For the drivers on the other hand, the starting time may produce some visibility problems. We experienced challenges when NASCAR ran a twilight race at California last season. The glare from the setting sun can make it very difficult to see until the sun finally sets. The only options we have are darker-colored helmet shields and taping the inside of the windshield to block the glare. Some guys even wear sunglasses. But none of those options guarantee unobstructed views at all times. Why not just make it a true night race that starts later, like we do at Bristol? I enjoy racing at night -- it's better for the fans and drivers because of cooler temperatures."
