Brian Vickers is at home in Charlotte, N.C. recovering from first and second degree burns received on his butt and the bottoms of his feet yesterday at Bristol Motor Speedway.Mid-way through the running of the Food City 500, Vickers radioed to his crew that his engine was running roughly and that smoke and fumes were entering his cockpit. The team initially suspected an engine malady, but it was subsequently revealed that a section of exhaust pipe directly beneath Brian's seat had failed and separated, affecting the engine's performance.
Left with the choice of suffering burns, blisters and fumes or sacrificing a lead lap finish to pit the car for repairs, BV took one for all 140+ hard-working employees of Team Red Bull. The 83 team slipped Brian various ice packs and heat-insulating shields on later pit stops in an attempt to help improve the situation.
Vickers requested medical attention following the 500 lap race, including oxygen. Representatives of BVLLC reported Monday afternoon that Vickers is doing well and plans to address TRB business obligations Tuesday, test at Greenville-Pickens Speedway on Wednesday and is expected to be ready for this weekend's race at Martinsville.
