It was time for Vickers to go

By Mike Harper

Let’s forget about the business side of NASCAR for a moment and look at the personal, emotional side of the sport. I normally don’t like to get too serious about this deal, but something struck me odd when Brian Vickers announced he was leaving Hendrick Motorsports (HMS). Let’s face it, who in their right mind would give up an opportunity to leave Hendrick Motorsports?

I remember when Vickers started with HMS and said with great emotion, "I have an opportunity of a lifetime to go Cup racing with Hendrick Motorsports." His dream to race in the big leagues came true and Ricky Hendrick was the force behind it. Hendrick who owned Vickers’ car provided Vickers a place to live, he spotted for Vickers and most importantly he was Vickers friend. A true friend.

Here’s my take on the Vickers situation. It was time for Brian Vickers to go, period. Not because he can’t drive a race car, because personally I think he’s a talented race car driver. He has the potential to be one of the best and he’s shown this talent in the Busch Series by winning a championship. Ricky Hendrick saw this in Vickers and many of us still do.

In my opinion, when Vickers lost his close friend Ricky Hendrick in that 2004 plane crash, Vickers changed as anyone would. Even Ricky Hendrick’s dad Rick Hendrick said in a news conference shortly after the crash, "I don't know how Brain Vickers, as close as he and Ricky were, could get in a car."

I’m not saying that because Brian lost his friend he’s not performing, but I would think that it would be a factor. In most cases for someone to move forward and find success after such a tragedy they need to find closure first. Maybe leaving Hendrick Motorsports is Brian Vickers closure.

I truly believe this was a difficult career decision for Vickers, but I’m not sure it was 100% his decision to make. In a way, he may have been forced out, but given the opportunity to give us the perception that it was mutual. In the end, it was a kind way to separate between two parties that respect each other.

I also feel Vickers was having a tough time mixing in with the HMS superstars. Last season at Bristol, Vickers tangled with teammate Jeff Gordon. It was enough to draw some attention to the situation. This season at Talladega, Vickers had the car to beat and teammate Jimmie Johnson basically left Vickers alone with no drafting help to go on and win the race. Issues like these always leave a bad taste in a driver’s mouth.

My wish for Brian Vickers is that he finds a win soon. I hope an owner with top-notch equipment will give this kid a chance to shine so a new chapter in his racing career can be born.