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Red Bull swap drivers for Homestead

Red Bull Racing Team will swap their two drivers for the Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead this weekend, with the aim of ensuring both their cars finish the year in the top-35 in the owner standings

Brian Vickers will drive Scott Speed's No.84 car on Sunday, which he will have to qualify on time for the race. Meanwhile, the former Toro Rosso racer will take over the No.83 car, which is already locked in the field for the final race of the year.

The No.84 car sits currently 36th in the owner standings after Speed crashed out of last week's event at Phoenix, where he was involved in a multi-car wreck. Only the top 35 cars in the standings at the end of the season have their starting spot guaranteed for the first five races of 2009.

"I support the team's decision to change things up this weekend and I feel this will only strengthen our team in the long run," Vickers said.

"Red Bull makes great cars so driving the No.84 won't be any different than driving the No.83, we expect both cars to be fast. It will be fun driving a different colour car, though — maybe silver will be my good luck charm."

Vickers will work alongside Jimmy Elledge, who has served as Speed's crew chief, while the Californian will have interim crew chief Randy Cox calling the shots from the pits.

Speed made his Sprint Cup debut at Martinsville, where he scored a 30th place finish - his best result in four starts.

Earlier this season, the team had called veteran Mike Skinner to replace AJ Allmendinger in an effort to put the car in the top-35 in the standings, something Allmendinger himself achieved later, before parting ways with the team.

"We're trying as a company to do the best we can to make sure the thing's locked into the top 35 for next year," said Speed. "That's the best thing for me, for the company, for everything."

"We have to do whatever we can. I'm learning more and more, and everything that's done this year is going to be a huge help for next year."

Both Vickers and Speed are expected to remain as the team's regular drivers in 2009.

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