Brian
Vickers will not compete in the No. 55 Toyota for Michael
Waltrip Racing Sunday, after informing the team today that he has experienced
a reoccurrence of blood clots that will require him to once again begin taking
blood-thinning medication.
The
31-year old Vickers missed the first two races of the season while recovering
from heart surgery in December, and has previously been sidelined twice by blood
clots in his hands, leg and lungs.
“First
and foremost, our thoughts are with Brian and his family,” said MWR co-owner
Michael Waltrip today. “He isn’t just our race car driver, he is our friend and
we know the NASCAR community will continue to rally around Brian.”
Waltrip
tabbed youngster Brett Moffitt to replace Vickers this weekend at Auto Club
Speedway in Fontana, California, saying, “We are fortunate to have Brett
Moffitt in our system. (We) marveled at his great drive in Atlanta three weeks
ago, so we know he can get the job done in the No. 55 this weekend.
“This
news is very fresh and the situation is very fluid, so we can only plan for
this weekend at this point.”
Vickers
also commented on his latest medical setback, saying, “Thankfully, because I
recognized the signs and symptoms, the doctors caught this early and I’m going
to be OK. I had finished treatment for the clot I had in my leg back in 2013
and I haven’t needed to be on a blood thinner for a clot in my leg or lung
since.
“Now,
I won’t be able to race because I’ll need to be back on a blood thinner. I’m
going to follow doctor’s orders and do everything I need to do to get well.
“It’s
Blood Clot Awareness Month,” said Vickers, “and I was supposed to be at the
track this weekend doing work with my partners at Janssen, focused on getting
the word out. I’m disappointed I can’t be there, but if there is a silver
lining in all of this, hopefully what’s happened to me will help to raise
awareness on this important health issue.”
Waltrip said there is
presently no timeline for Vickers’ return, adding, “He is more susceptible to
clots than you and I are, and we knew that could be an issue. Are we surprised?
Yes.
“Did we think it
would happen? No.”
Thoughts and prayers to Brian and his family. His health is number one, and hope to see him back in the 55 soon.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with Brian, his family and friends. His TV interview about said it all....He loves his wife and family first...racing is secondary....I think he has his priorities in order. If he is ordered or chooses to give up racing..he can look back at a successful career. He has done much in his time in racing....many an active racer would be proud to have his resume.
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