Red Bull Racing GM: Brian Vickers Has Blood Clots In Veins

Brian Vickers remains hospitalized due to blood clots in his veins, Red Bull Racing general manager Jay Frye said Friday morning.

Frye said Vickers felt discomfort in his chest during a Wednesday visit to Washington, D.C. and called a doctor to ask what he should do. The doctor recommended Vickers get checked out at a hospital, and doctors discovered blood clots in one of Vickers’ legs and “around his lung,” Frye said.

Doctors are unsure what caused the blood clots but tests have gone well and Vickers has been given a “clean bill of health,” according to Frye.

The team is optimistic Vickers could be released from the hospital as soon as today, but Frye said the decision to move forward with Casey Mears as the driver this weekend was made in light of Vickers’ long-term health. Frye said Vickers was “frustrated” at being stuck in the hospital, because he feels fine.

If Vickers gets cleared, Frye was asked, why not have him drive at least one lap so that NASCAR will award points and keep him in Chase contention? Frye did not directly answer the question but indicated the racing was a secondary concern compared to Vickers’ health.

“It became clear yesterday morning this weekend wasn’t going to be an option,” he said.

Frye called it a “major setback” for the team and Red Bull’s hopes of making the Chase (a Chase spot is awarded based on driver points), but said the goals for the weekend remained the same.

“We want to compete at a high level,” Frye said. “We think Casey can do it.”

A timetable for Vickers’ return to the track is unclear, and Frye wasn’t sure if Mears would continue to drive the car if Vickers was unable to get back in the seat at Charlotte.

Frye said it was also uncertain whether NASCAR would allow the No. 83 team to participate in the Sprint All-Star Race next week if Vickers was not in the car.