Vickers unsure of plans after Texas; looking at Indy 500

Brian Vickers

Brian Vickers doesn't know how much he will race in 2016 beyond next week. He could have more races as a substitute for Tony Stewart. Or he could find himself competing in the Indianapolis 500. That could be unsettling for some drivers. For a driver who has been sidelined four times by the effects of blood clots, Vickers can handle fluid situations.

"I don't know what the future holds," Vickers said Friday at Martinsville Speedway. "I've stopped trying to guess what the future holds. I've stopped trying to plan what the future holds. It's always fluid. It's always challenging. I just live in the present. I want a good run because I want a good run. Maybe I've got another 500 starts. Maybe I've got two. But I really approach it like this is going to be my last one."

Vickers has competed in three races this year as a substitute for the injured Stewart with a best finish of 13th at Auto Club Speedway two weeks ago. He gets his fourth start Sunday and will get one next week at Texas. He's unsure on the schedule after that as Ty Dillon has shared the substitute role and Stewart continues to recover from a broken back.

Vickers isn't just looking at future stock-car rides. He is working to put together a deal to run in the Indianapolis 500. "It's still a possibility," Vickers said. "We'll see. Nothing is done yet. … I'd love to do it. It would be awesome." ESPN.com