Vickers hospitalized with medical condition

[May 14, 2010]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR driver Brian Vickers was being treated Thursday for an undisclosed medical condition that will prevent him from racing this weekend at Dover International Speedway.

Red Bull Racing said Vickers was hospitalized Wednesday night and being held for further testing. The team did not reveal where he was hospitalized, although Vickers was scheduled to visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and tour the Capitol with U.S. Rep Doc Hastings.

Red Bull said Casey Mears will replace Vickers this weekend in the No. 83 Toyota.

"It is unfortunate that I will not be able to participate in the Dover race," Vickers said in a statement. "Casey is a good friend of mine, and I know he will do his best for the No. 83 team this weekend.

Red Bull general manager Jay Frye called Vickers' illness a "minor setback."

"Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery," Frye said. "All things are looking good at the moment, this is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well."

The 26-year-old Vickers is in his seventh full season racing in NASCAR's elite Sprint Cup Series. He has two career Cup wins and made the 12-driver Chase for the championship last season.

He's currently ranked 20th in the standings, but only 160 points out of the 12th Chase qualifying position. Missing a start almost certainly will make it impossible for Vickers to make the Chase this season.

[Associated Press; By JENNA FRYER]

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