Brian Vickers is 18th in the Nextel Cup Series standings. Credit: Autostock

Brian Vickers Mailbag: Finding the time

Brian Vickers heads to Pocono Raceway this weekend for the second time in six weeks. In June, Vickers led 19 laps finished fourth to winner Denny Hamlin. In five career starts there, Vickers has an average finish of 9.4.

Q: What do you think about drivers like Bill Elliott driving a part-time schedule? -- Heather, Macon, Ga.

	Brian Vickers drives the No. 25 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Credit: Autostock
	VICKERS MAILBAG Brian Vickers will answer fans' questions each week on NASCAR.COM.  •   To post a question, click here

Vickers: I don't think it's a bad thing and it's not going to make or break the sport. If they (the drivers) want to do it, why shouldn't they be able to? Obviously, they must enjoy it or they wouldn't do it and I'm sure the fans enjoy seeing Bill Elliott and Terry Labonte compete again. Those two guys in particular, have been in this sport for a long time and have had great careers.

Q: If you could make next year's Cup schedule, what would you do -- Several users

Vickers: I would like to see the Cup Series schedule go to more tracks once, rather than racing at fewer tracks and having two races at some of the places.

The problem with doing that next year is the probability of having another track be added in 2007 seems low to me. There are still some pockets of the country that don't have any tracks suitable for the Nextel Cup Series. I'd like to see one in the northwest, maybe another track out west and something else maybe in the Heartland or in the Midwest.

Q: How much time do you actually get to spend at your home during the year? -- Breanne, Pennsylvania.

Vickers: On average, I'd say I spend one to two nights a week at home. It varies depending on what's been scheduled, but it's fair to say I spend more than half of my time a year away from home.

Q: On a typical race day, what's the first thing you think of when you wake up?? -- Heather, Florida

Vickers: Hmmm... I guess my first thought, probably like a lot of other people, is about eating breakfast.

Q: Do you find it hard to just go out and have fun without being bothered by fans? -- Several users

Vickers: It depends on where you go. Going out on a race weekend in the race market for dinner or something can be a little more of a challenge, but that's somewhat understandable.

Sometimes when we're at the track it's just easier to stay in the motorhome lot and cook dinner because you don't have to worry about traffic in and around the track and don't have to worry about the restaurants being overcrowded. On a day-to-day basis at home in Charlotte or New York, it's not so much of a problem.