NASCAR: Brian Vickers sidelined by blood clots again
Brian Vickers has been sidelined from this weekend's Fontana NASCAR Sprint Cup race due to a reoccurrence of the blood clots that have previously interrupted his racing
Vickers missed the opening rounds of the 2015 season following winter heart surgery.
Issues relating to blood clots had previously caused him to sit out sections of the 2010 and '13 campaigns as well.
"Thankfully, because I recognised the signs and symptoms, the doctors caught this early and I'm going to be OK," said Vickers.
"I had finished my treatment for the clot I had in my leg back in 2013 and I haven't needed to be on a blood thinner for a clot in my leg or lung since.
"Now I won't be able to race because I'll need to be back on a blood thinner.
"I'm going to follow doctor's orders and do everything I need to do to get well."
He will be replaced in the Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota by Brett Moffitt this weekend. Moffitt stood in for Vickers at Atlanta earlier this month and finished eighth.
Team co-owner Waltrip said there was no longer-term plan in place yet pending further news on Vickers' health, but he is pleased to have MWR development driver Moffitt on hand.
"First and foremost our thoughts are with Brian and his family," said Waltrip.
"He isn't just our racecar driver, he is our friend and we know the NASCAR community will continue to rally around Brian.
"We are fortunate to have Brett Moffitt in our system and marvelled at his great drive in Atlanta three weeks ago, so we know he can get the job done in the #55 this weekend.
"As this news is very fresh and the situation is very fluid, we can only plan for this weekend at this point."
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