Earnhardt fans out to harm Vickers

Lowe's Motor Speedway is beefing up security for driver Brian Vickers after angry race fans called the track to complain that Vickers wrecked Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson on the last lap at Talladega. Vickers spokesman Chris Haid said the team has declined the offer.

"We feel we have the situation under control," Haid said. "Obviously, this is a publicity stunt. In fact, it's like adding fuel to the fire."

The Nextel Cup Series is scheduled to race Saturday night at Lowe's in Concord, N.C., and track owner Bruton Smith felt the need to offer Vickers assistance because of the flood of phone calls the track received Monday.

"We want to make sure Brian has an uninterrupted weekend here and that he is able focus on his driving duties," Smith said. "We will offer security escorts in and out of the speedway and anywhere he feels he needs our assistance." USA Today