Vickers to make Winston Cup debut with MB2

CONCORD, N.C. -- MB2 Motorsports announced today that arrangements have been completed to have Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Busch Series standout, Brian Vickers, drive the No. 01 U.S. Army/MB2 Pontiac in the final four races of the 2003 Winston Cup season.

	Brian Vickers

The 19-year-old native of Thomasville, N.C. will be subbing for Jerry Nadeau, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a May 2 accident at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway.

The U.S. Army/MB2 ride will be an experience-builder for Vickers, who will join NASCAR's Cup Series on a full-time basis next season, driving the No. 25 GMAC Hendrick Motorsports entry.

"Having the opportunity to gain Winston Cup experience with an established team like MB2 is really exciting," said Vickers, who is currently in second place in the Busch Series point standings.

"The team has a great sponsor in the U.S. Army and the cars have Hendrick Motorsports engines under the hood, so it's a great situation."

	Mike Skinner

Mike Skinner, who joined MB2 Motorsports in early August, will continue as the team's substitute driver through the Oct. 19 race in Martinsville, Va.

"Mike continues to give us a great effort and we all sincerely appreciate the experience and professionalism that he has brought to our team," said Jay Frye, general manager of MB2 Motorsports.

"When we hired Mike, the understanding was it would most likely be for a limited schedule. Proactive discussions were already in progress with Hendrick Motorsports to have Brian drive the U.S. Army car in the event Jerry was not ready to return for the closing races of the season."

Frye added, "We have a great working relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and its engine department and we're happy to assist in Brian's transition to the Cup Series."

In an ironic twist, this is the second time MB2 Motorsports has assisted in giving seat time to a future Hendrick Motorsports Cup driver. When MB2 driver Ernie Irvan retired with 13 races remaining in the 1999 season, he was replaced for 12 of the races by Nadeau, who had already struck a deal to drive Hendrick's No. 25 car for the following season.

"Our organization has enjoyed a strong relationship with MB2 Motorsports over the years," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "I'm appreciative of the opportunity they've given Brian and we're all looking forward to seeing him compete at the Winston Cup level this year."