CORNELIUS, N.C. — No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine driver Brian Vickers returns to Pocono Raceway this weekend with just six races remaining before the start of the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
The Michael Waltrip Racing driver is 20th in the Chase standings just 27 points out of the 16th and final Chase spot.
Vickers knows good finishes over the next half-dozen races will aid his bid for a Chase berth, but a victory will likely guarantee a spot. The drive for the Chase begins Sunday on the ‘Tricky Triangle’ at Pocono Raceway where the No. 55 finished 19th in June.
What would it take to get a win before the Chase starts?
“You’re always trying to find something new and different and find speed through different strategies. I think the biggest thing we have to do is get consistent about what we’re doing and make small improvements. Anytime you swing for the fence it can go either way. Granted, if the opportunity presents itself we will, but there’s only so many things you can really do. We just need to do what we did at Indy in qualifying, which was maximize potential for the weekend, have good practice, good qualifying and then follow it up and stay up front and get track position and be there at the end of the race.”
Has Pocono changed since the repave?
“It’s changed a tremendous amount — the setups, the speeds — you kind of approach it as it’s different, but there’s certainly a lot of similarities. It’s still Pocono and it’s definitely different than the old Pocono and how you go about driving it.”
Is Pocono a difficult track to pass on and is track position important?
“It’s definitely challenging to pass, but it’s a competitive series. It’s challenging to pass everywhere. Racing is as tight as it’s ever been and as many cars on the lead lap as there’s ever been. There’s always that balance. I would always like to be able to pass everyone, but we can’t have all the cars equal handed or we’ll never pass anyone.”
· Aaron’s Racing Rewards Member Program: Join Aaron’s Racing Rewards and take advantage of exclusive member benefits such as at-track discounts from Michael Waltrip Racing and FanVision. Become a member by Aug. 22, 2014 and you’ll be automatically entered in our Racing Rewards Sweepstakes where the grand prize is a $5,000 shopping spree at Aaron’s! Visit www.aarons.com/racingrewards for more information.
· AARON’S: Aaron’s joined MWR in 2000 serving as a primary sponsor in Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races. The Atlanta-based company, with more than 2,130 stores across the country, helps customers own the life they want. Aaron’s carries only the best brand names in furniture, electronics, and appliances with a variety of flexible payment options. It’s really easy to “Own it” at Aaron’s with customers who are now pre-approved for up to $2,500 in merchandise without needing credit. Visit Aarons.com to find a store near you.
· FANTERN: Each week MWR offers fans a chance to become an official MWR Fantern. This person will get the opportunity to be an “intern” on race day helping the pit crews with set-up activities, attending driver appearances and getting full access to the pit and garage areas. Fans can write in a submission to webmaster@michaelwaltrip.com or share a video on our social channels explaining why they should be the Fantern at the race of their choosing during the 2014 season.
· #ASKMWR: Throughout race weekends in 2014 MWR will collect questions hash-tagged #AskMWR on its @MWRteam Twitter handle. No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Jackman Wes Evans will host a three-minute video each Wednesday on www.michaelwaltripracing.com featuring MWR experts answering the best fan questions from the weekend.
· No. 55 CREW:
Billy Scott Crew Chief
Ryan Langley Front Tire Changer
Chris Hall Front Tire Carrier
Shannon Myers Rear Tire Changer
Blake Haugland Rear Tire Carrier
Wes Evans Jack Man
Jeff Kerr Gas Man
Steve Channing Car Chief
David Cropps Interior Mechanic
Roman Pemberton Spotter
Brandon Pope Race Engineer
Joe Bisson 2nd Engineer
Jeremy Sharpley Shock Specialist
Jacen Johns Front Mechanic
Joe Zanolini Rear Mechanic
Kevin White Tire Specialist
Denny Chandler Engine Tuner
Tim Bruce Engine Engineer
Glenn Shano Truck Driver
Al Nelson 2nd Truck Driver
· FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
@brianlvickers
@mw55
@mwrteam
@aaronssports
@aaronsinc
@toyotaracing
