NASCAR news bits

Brian Vickers returns to No. 55 at the Glen: This weekend, Brian Vickers makes his fifth start in the No. 55 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing. He owns two top-five finishes and has completed every lap in the four races he’s run in 2012 for the team.

Vickers is driving the No. 55 in eight races this season, sharing driving duties with Michael Waltrip and Mark Martin.

“After our fourth-place finish at Sonoma I am really happy to get back in the car at a road course," Vickers said. “With Watkins Glen’s high speeds, big breaking zones and good places to pass – I’m fairly confident it will be a good showing for us."

NASCAR penalizes Annett’s team: NASCAR this week fined Philippe Lopez, crew chief for Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett, $10,000 and docked Annett six driver points after his car failed to meet the minimum height requirement following last weekend’s race at Iowa.

In addition, Lopez and car chief Michael Wright will remain on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

Dover announces races dates for 2013: Dover International Speedway officials have announced its 2013 NASCAR weekend race dates. Two tripleheaders of racing action will take place at the track on May 31-June 2 and Sept. 27-29, 2013. The first weekend will include Cup, Nationwide and Truck races. The second weekend will feature Cup, Nationwide and K&N Pro East races.

BK Racing makes driver change: Brad Keselowski Racing and driver Parker Kligerman have elected to part ways and team owner Keselowski will drive the No. 29 Ram in the next Truck Series race, Aug. 18 at Michigan. Additional drivers for the team will be announced later. ThatsRacin.com