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Born and bred in the heart of NASCAR nation (Thomasville, NC), Brian Vickers took the traditional route to NASCAR Sprint Cup racing – no open-wheeled midgets or formula cars for this sandy redhead, just full-bodied beasts on asphalt ovals. He bought his first set of wheels, a yard kart, at 8 years old, and his skill showed early; from 1994 to 1997, he won three World Karting Association national championships and more than 80 races.

By 1999, Vickers was racing in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series and was named Motorsports Magazine’s “Rising Star of the Year.” He also became the youngest feature winner at the famed Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway in 2000. In 2001, Vickers debuted in NASCAR’s Busch Series (now the Nationwide Series) and in 2002 made 21 starts as the only rookie driver with an independent team, wheeling father Clyde’s No. 40.

As driver of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 Nationwide car for 2003, 20-year-old Vickers became the youngest champion in NASCAR history and earned full-time Sprint Cup status in Hendrick’s No. 25 car for 2004. His big breakthrough came in October 2006 with his first Cup race win at Talladega.

In June 2006, Vickers was introduced as the driver of Red Bull Racing Team’s No. 83 Toyota. In the new team’s second year, Vickers ended with three top fives and six top 10s to finish 19th in points. In 2009, Vickers was one of 12 drivers to qualify for the coveted Chase for the Sprint Cup and won Red Bull Racing Team’s first race in August at Michigan. He also earned six poles — second in the series —  and finished a career-best 12th in points.

To keep fit for 140-degree cockpit heat, Vickers goes kayaking and cycles on mountain and country roads. He’s a scuba diver and is quite the golfer, as well as an avid skydiver. Vickers made his first free fall with the Red Bull Air Force in February 2008 and has since jumped over 30 times.