Red Bull No. 83 Brian Vickers and Red Bull No. 84 AJ Allmendinger RACE: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shootout & Daytona 500 Qualifying TRACK: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL DATES: February 14, 2008
Aero Push
A tandem skydive jump just isn't Brian Vickers style. He wants to free fall on his own. On Tuesday morning, Vickers will take a required Accelerated Free Fall class so later that day he can jump out of a perfectly safe airplane all by himself. Hell spend time in a specialized wind tunnel in Orlando, Fla., to learn the art of skydiving from the Red Bull Air Force. After the class, Vickers will make his first solo skydive above DeLand, Fla., with the Air Force doing its thing around him. ESPN pit reporter and action sports addict Jamie Little will partake in the days events, and the jump will be part of ESPNs coverage of the Feb. 16 Nationwide Series race.State of the Red Bulls
Red Bull Racing Team’s two cars must race their way into the Daytona 500 through Thursday’s 150-mile qualifying races. Brian Vickers, in the No. 83, qualified 16th on Sunday. He’ll start sixth in Duel No. 1 — one spot ahead of teammate AJ Allmendinger, who, in the No. 84, timed in 19th.DONT BOTHER ASKING
For now, the No's. 83 and 84 are on the outside in owner points, and below is Red Bull Racing Teams stance on getting in. Our position will not change in the first five races, so refer to this document for any future questions regarding Red Bull Racing Team and the top 35.
Brian Vickers, driver, No. 83: The first five races will define the season. We missed it last year, mostly at the beginning the year. We were a new team and made several big mistakes at the beginning of the season that got us behind, and we never could overcome that. I know in 2008, weve put a huge emphasis on the first five races.
Kevin Hamlin, crew chief, No. 83: Im sure some people say that theyre giving teams in the top 35 situation an advantage going into qualifying by going at the end. But its like, OK, who cares? If one of the teams that arent in the top 35 happens to be on the pole, well good for them. Obviously, their season isnt going great to start with or they wouldnt be outside the top 35. They could use a little highlight.
AJ Allmendinger, driver, No. 84: We know the first five races can make or break the season. Its our second year. Its not a question of will we be better. We will be better. Those first five races if we can get in them, run well and be in the top 35 in points, I really do think we can have a great year. Great meaning top 25, top 20 in points. Five races out of 36 could be our season.
Rick Viers, crew chief, No. 84: I expect to make the first five races, run competitively and be far enough in the top 35 and not every worry about that sixth race. I dont have any other thoughts than those first five races. Our Chase for the championship is the first five races. We dont even consider anything else.
Jay Frye, general manager and vice president: We talk about blocking and tackling and things that we need to do as company, which is doing the basic things right. Once you do the basics right, you advance to the next step. If we do the basic things, qualify for races, the top 35 will take care of itself.
Guenther Steiner, technical director: We must get into the top 35, and for sure well be better than last year. We learned a lot over the year. Were just more experienced, more methodical. We know more about what we do.