Vickers to Drive No. 01 in Four Cup Races This Season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 17, 2003) – MB2 Motorsports today announced that arrangements have been completed to have Hendrick Motorsports’ NASCAR Busch Series standout Brian Vickers drive the No. 01 U.S. Army/MB2 entry in the final four races of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The 19-year-old native of Thomasville, N.C., will be subbing for Jerry Nadeau, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a May 2 accident at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. “Having the opportunity to gain Winston Cup experience with an established team like MB2 is really exciting,” said Vickers, who is currently in second place in the Busch Series point standings. “The team has a great sponsor in the U.S. Army and the cars have Hendrick Motorsports engines under the hood, so it’s a great situation.” The U.S. Army/MB2 ride will be an experience-builder for Vickers, who will join NASCAR’s Cup Series on a full-time basis next season, driving the No. 25 GMAC Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. “Our organization has enjoyed a strong relationship with MB2 Motorsports over the years,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “I’m appreciative of the opportunity they’ve given Brian and we’re all looking forward to seeing him compete at the Winston Cup level this year.” Vickers will pilot the No. 01 car at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 26; Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 2; North Carolina Speedway on Nov. 9 and Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 16. “We have a great working relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and its engine department and we’re happy to assist in Brian’s transition to the Cup Series,” said Jay Frye, general manager of MB2 Motorsports. With eight races remaining on the Busch Series schedule, Vickers trails series leader David Green by a mere 48 points thanks to nine top-five finishes, 16 top-10s and a pair of victories (Indianapolis Raceway Park and Darlington Raceway).