Brian Vickers finished 37th at Bristol last weekend. Credit: Autostock

Brian Vickers Mailbag: Back to the future

Brian Vickers heads to Martinsville this weekend 19th in the Nextel Cup standings. In four Cup appearances at the series' smallest track, Vickers' best finish was 13th in the spring of 2004.

Q: I'm a collector of many things. Do you have any say in the merchandise that is created for you and does the company or companies give you the prototypes for each piece? -- Fan in Canada

	Inside the Numbers Brian Vickers at Martinsville Year Start Finish 2004 35 13   34 27 2005 27 35   17 36 Average 28.2 27.8

Vickers: I do have some influence, but I don't design the pieces. To some extent, I have some influence on the direction of the design. I like the clean, modern-style look to things, but that doesn't mean everything looks that way because licensees will still make items that need to sell well in other areas.

Q: Which driver has been your biggest influence -- Tim, Glens Falls, N.Y.

Vickers: I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity I do at Hendrick Motorsports. Since I've been at Hendrick, I'd have to say Jeff [Gordon] has been the most influential driver to me. He's taught me a lot about not only what happens on-track, but also how to approach and deal with certain situations away from the racetrack.

There are a lot of things that take place off the track that having his input has been very helpful.

Q: Have you ever thought about what type of celebration you'll do when you win a Cup race? -- Brian, Glendale, Ariz.

Vickers: I've thought a little, but not too much about it. What I think most about is how to win a Nextel Cup race.

Q: If you could change one thing in the Nextel Cup rules as they are currently set, what would it be? -- Shawn Gregory, Parts Unknown

Vickers: As a driver, I'd like to see NASCAR put together a traveling safety crew present at all NASCAR races.

Q: What do you think is the best part of your job? -- Kayla, Michigan

Vickers: When it comes time to get inside the car and race. The level of competition in our sport is second to none and it's such a blast to be a part of it.