Brian Vickers has one top-five finish in his career at California Speedway. Credit: Autostock

Brian Vickers Mailbag: Post-race activities

Brian Vickers heads to California Speedway this weekend for the Sony HD 500. His best Fontana finish came in this race one year ago when he crossed the line third.

Q: What do you usually do after a race? -- Several users

	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: Normally, once I've climbed from the car and finished any necessary media obligations, I head back to my motorhome to change, grab my bag and head to the airport for the return trip home.

Depending upon where the race was that day and what time we get back, if possible I'll try to grab a late dinner on Sunday night with some friends. In some cases, it's too late and I have to settle for eating in.

Q: How do NASCAR drivers get paid? -- Several users

Vickers: Each driver and team have different arrangements for compensation. Speaking in general terms, probably the most common situation is a combination of a base salary for the driver and a percentage of the winnings from the race.

Other factors that contribute to a drivers pay include: a percentage of souvenir sales and possibly on-track performance incentives/bonuses.

Q: How did you develop the aggressiveness and drive it takes to become a race car driver? -- MarilynLo

Vickers: I enjoy competing and want to win. Learning what it takes to succeed comes from experience. In each series I've raced in and in each race, even now, I continue to learn and learn from experiences.

Being involved in different racing situations each week and throughout my career have helped to influence the decisions I make inside the race car. Each race is different and I don't think you ever stop learning and developing as a driver.

Q: Do you do any online racing? -- Several users

No, I don't. I've played the various racing games that are out on the market like EA Sports' NASCAR game, but nothing of the online variety.