Vickers to replace Stewart at Fontana

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Stewart-Haas Racing on Monday named Brian Vickers interim driver of its No. 14 Chevrolet SS for the March 20 Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway.

In honor of Blood Clot Awareness Month (March), Janssen is partnering with Vickers and the track for the third consecutive year to help raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of blood clots.

Vickers will drive the No. 14 Janssen Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation Chevrolet SS in the 400-mile race that marks the fifth event of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The car’s paint scheme is in support of Vickers’ friend and Janssen’s partner, legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation has been entrusted to continue Arnold Palmer’s legacy of philanthropy and invests in organizations that help children, youth, families, the environment and our communities. Janssen will also sponsor the TreatMyClot.com 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race on March 19 at Auto Club.

Vickers and Palmer have partnered with Janssen to chronicle their personal experiences with blood clots which fans can view on www.TreatMyClot.com.

Vickers and Ty Dillon have served as substitute drivers for Tony Stewart, who sustained a burst fracture of the L1 vertebra in a Jan. 31 all-terrain vehicle accident. Stewart was recently evaluated by doctors who have implemented a rehabilitation regimen that will hasten his recovery.

Future evaluations will be necessary before a timetable is known for Stewart’s return to racing. However, a full recovery is expected for the three-time Sprint Cup champion, as is a return to the No. 14 Chevrolet this season. Plans for an interim driver beyond Fontana have not been finalized.