Michigan
Jun 15, 2009
Like Pocono- gas mileage was a factor at the Lifelock 400 in Michigan. Some had it, some didn't. Starting from the pole for the third time this season and having a very fast Red Bull Camry in the practices for the race, hopes were high for the first victory for the team. However it was apparent in the first few laps of the race that the track had changed dramatically. The weather played a part as it loosened up the race track immensely. Brian fell back in the field within the first half of the race and the team made numerous track bar/air pressure changes to try to combat this condition and they finally hit the nail on the head on the final stop of the race. BV charged from 21st spot up to 11th while trying to save fuel at the same time. It was almost a bit of an oxymoron. In the end, Vickers saved maybe a bit too much and finished 9th. A fair day turned good.

“Obviously, not how we wanted to finish,” Vickers said. “We were happy with the car in practice, and today we started off and it was just really, really, really loose. We fought it all day. We got it fixed on the last run, but we ran out of time. “The car felt completely different than it did yesterday. We finished practice a little tight, and I was thinking the car would be good. I’ve never seen (the track) change that much.”

Twisting and turning in Sonoma next weekend.


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  Mikeykid
Posted On:Mon - Jun 15, 2009 - 6:30 PM
I watched the race and listened in on BV's radio.....using NASCAR's Raceview.....great by the way. The 83 team needs to take some chances....they play it too safe....race after race. In this case BV's crew chief was telling BV to save save save gas......why?? BV is 17th in the standings.....he's not in the chase. I would have told BV "to hell with the gas....run them down. If we run out of gas and finish 30th.....BV would still be 17th......he finishes 9th.....He's still 17th. 9th or 39th BV would still be 17th. Take a chance.....risk it all to WIN a race.
I'm tired of playing it safe......Do you know why the 83 team hasn't won?? Because they don't want it bad enough....they won't risk it all to win.


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  Tim a
Posted On:Mon - Jun 15, 2009 - 6:44 PM
Jimmy Johnson didn't seem to have trouble with the way the track changed along with many others. Shouldn't they know how the weather is going to change the track. Also, why the hell did it take them until the final stop to get the car right? I am not going to let great practices get me excited anymore.


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  Pamelajn
Posted On:Mon - Jun 15, 2009 - 7:39 PM
Atleast you got a top 10 so it wasn't a bad points day. You guys will get a win soon. Good luck at Sonoma.


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  Judy
Posted On:Mon - Jun 15, 2009 - 11:20 PM
I had the best time presenting the Pole Trophy to you Brian! You were very nice and I am so proud of the 10th place finish. I was in the pits most of the race and the Red Bull Team worked very hard - rock on guys! Thanks for an unforgettable weekend!


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  Usafdefender83
Posted On:Tues - Jun 16, 2009 - 00:09 AM
Mikeykid, your comment would make more sense if Brian was hopelessly out of Chase contention, but he's only 136 back of 12th. Had they risked it, ran out of gas and finished 35th, any chance of making the Chase is all but gone.

Making the Chase is the most important thing for the 83 team. Now is not the time to cash in a good points day going for a win when there wasn't even enough time left to run down the leaders anyway. The Chase is still a realistic goal for this team. I want to see Brian in Victory Lane as much as anyone, but not at the expense of racing for a championship this year.

Sonoma is now a very pivotal race. TRB has treaded water in the points over the last few weeks, but they really need a 30-40 point gain on 12th in the next couple races.

Hey Brian, one more thing. Go gets some pointers on Sonoma from your old neighbor Terry Labonte. He was always good at turning left...and right!


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  Dp gobv 83
Posted On:Tues - Jun 16, 2009 - 07:51 AM
Very well stated, USAFDEFENDER83, that is exactly whats needed, and BV needs a 10-15 place finish at Sonoma, a track he isn't historically strong at. Then at the ovals, BV has gotta jump on everyone top 5s all the way.


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  Gangsta
Posted On:Tues - Jun 16, 2009 - 1:18 PM
Quoting: Mikeykid
I watched the race and listened in on BV's radio.....using NASCAR's Raceview.....great by the way. The 83 team needs to take some chances....they play it too safe....race after race. In this case BV's crew chief was telling BV to save save save gas......why?? BV is 17th in the standings.....he's not in the chase. I would have told BV "to hell with the gas....run them down. If we run out of gas and finish 30th.....BV would still be 17th......he finishes 9th.....He's still 17th. 9th or 39th BV would still be 17th. Take a chance.....risk it all to WIN a race.
I'm tired of playing it safe......Do you know why the 83 team hasn't won?? Because they don't want it bad enough....they won't risk it all to win.


It seems like the last 2 years you guys were whining about BV taking chances. Wow. Now you want him to take chances?


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  Fez
Posted On:Wed - Jun 17, 2009 - 3:08 PM
Here goes. Brian seems more patient this year. Very good thing.
Problem is catching the drivers just in front, especially with the road course and Montoya.
Rumor has it of possible move to chevy next season as Toyota contract expires end of this year. GM will not fund in this economy but Mateschitz may fund.


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  Mrp83
Posted On:Wed - Jun 17, 2009 - 7:57 PM
FYI...looks like BV has joined the Twitter nation. Looking forward to his updates.

"brianvickers83"


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