Thursday, September 04, 2008

Mission: Nearly Impossible


All that stands between Brian Vickers and the Chase for the Sprint Cup is (deep breath) stars and planets aligning, 191 points, a victory at Richmond, leading a lap, leading the most laps, Clint Bowyer, David Ragan and Kasey Kahne opting for a weekend off and most likely a Tropical Storm named Hanna.

Mathematically, Brian and the No. 83 team are still racing to the Chase, but it’s the longest of long shots. Brian, in 15th place, is 190 points out of 12th. He’ll make the Chase only if the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota dominates Saturday night, wins, gains the 195-point maximum and the hauler drivers for Bowyer, Ragan and Kahne somehow forget the way to Virginia’s capital city.

Realistically, there is still plenty to race for. After November’s season finale at Homestead, the highest-finishing non-Chase driver earns $1 million and a seat on stage at the postseason awards banquet. Brian also is battling for a career-best finish in points. He was 15th in 2006.

“We need to respect the fact that those guys are racing for a championship, but we’re there to win the race,” he said. “We’ll go for broke, go for wins. But we don’t want to completely forget about points. We’d love to get to that 13th spot.”

Brian holds the Richmond qualifying record — spring or fall — with a lap of 129.983 mph (May 14, 2004). His best finish of eighth came one night later.

16 Comments:

Blogger New Liberty Baptist Church said...

At the beginning of the year, Brian Vickers fans didn't even care about the chase - we just wanted to be in the top 35 in owners points by the 6th race. To even contend for a Chase spot is icing on the cake for us!

Brian Vickers has delivered, and delivered BIG! I couldn't be prouder to be a fan of Brian Vickers and Red Bull Racing Team.

Honestly, I will not be surprised at all if the 83 team finishes 13th in points by the end of the season.

7:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I totally agree!!!!

5:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I second the first post! This has been a fantastic year...sure ther have been some continuing growing pains, but it is only year#2!!! Good luck this weekend RBRT!

7:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RBR, lets keep this up by keeping Jay Frye and AJ on this team. Next year we can have two teams in the chase!

7:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Two cars in the chase next year is a definite possibility. I'm not saying that we need Jay for that to happen, but he sure has things going in the right direction. I'd like to see him stay to find out exactly what this organization is capable of.

And Red Bull will look like morons if they let AJ get away.

7:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good Luck today guys! Lets hope the weather holds so we can get practice and qualifying in.

7:34 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hopefully this is good news...

http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm#news14

Stewart announced Darien Grubb as his crew cheif but had no comment about Jay Frye

8:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Practice didn't look to good, but I am sure the crews can get the cars good enough to run up front in the race!

10:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't know how to ask this question.. But does anybody know when that golfing show -- with Brian Vickers, along with other drivers -- will premiere on SpeedTV?

10:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think there is a preview on the September 19th, and then the 22nd is when it really starts. I'm trying to remember the times they showed last week on Trackside when BV was there, but I just remember the days. Hope that helps a little!

KCMO

11:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave, go to BV's website. They have it posted on there. :)

11:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Speed, a former Formula One driver, will participate in the open test at the 1.5-mile speedway in Concord, N.C., on Sept. 23 and 24.

Red Bull Racing has secured the No. 82 for Speed's Toyota Camry.

With speculation rampant that Speed will move up to the Cup Series in 2009, the test and upcoming race will help both Team Red Bull and Speed gauge where they stand.
From Foxsports.com

1:12 PM  
Blogger Daniel said...

If Speed is going into the 82, then AJ is staying.

1:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not for sure Suzie, they just got the 82 for this year...not definatley for next year...yet...Just means SS in a 3rd car a few times this year.

4:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Anonymous! And Ashley, I'm sorry, I couldn't find that article you were talking about...

7:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

According to Lee Spencer, Scott's making his cup debut at Lowe's October 11th. I'd rather see him run full time in NW and then move up, but maybe that's just me.

8:39 AM  

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