Daytona Disappointment for Vickers and GMAC Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2003) – After completing Friday’s final NASCAR Busch Series practice session at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway as the fastest car on the race track, GMAC Racing had high hopes for Saturday’s season opener. Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 5 GMAC Financial Services Chevy, started Saturday’s race in 21st and slid back a few positions during the opening laps, but quickly caught the large lead draft. In good position to work his way to the front, Vickers’ day ended early on Lap 30 when the No. 26 of driver Stanton Barrett made contact with the No. 5 Monte Carlo in Turn 2, sending the 19-year-old into the outside retaining wall. Vickers, who walked from the car under his own power, was transported to the infield care center as a precaution and released with no injuries. The GMAC team was unable to return to the race because of extensive damage and finished the Koolerz 300 a disappointing 42nd. Next up for GMAC Racing will be the Rockingham 200 on Feb. 22 at North Carolina Speedway, a track at which Vickers has made three previous Busch Series starts.