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NASCAR: Five Reasons Brian Vickers Is A Good Choice For The No. 14

By Cole Mentzel

Oct 19, 2014; Talladega, AL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers (55) during driver introductions prior to the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Talladega, AL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers (55) during driver introductions prior to the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 8, 2014; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Brian Vickers prior to the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Jun 8, 2014; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Brian Vickers prior to the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

Despite health concerns, Vickers is younger than most other options.

Vickers’ blood clots are something that is a big concern but, as USA Today reported, he has to be medically cleared before getting into the car.

"“The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is awaiting word from NASCAR on whether Vickers is medically cleared to race. Vickers ran only two races last season before suffering a recurrence of blood clots. He can’t compete when being treated for the clots because the blood thinners increase his risk of serious internal bleeding if he crashes.”"

Even with his health issues, Vickers is going to end up being a better option for SHR than the rest of the drivers out there. Though he has had limited time in the car recently, there are others who have been away for even longer.

Jeff Burton of NBC was an possible driver but the last time he raced was during the 2014 season and he was only involved in four races, not to mention the fact that he is 48-years-old. Mark Martin was also an possible candidate but he last raced in 2013 and is 57, which is a little too old to risk being involved in a Daytona-sized wreck.

Some even had the idea of Alex Bowman filling the spot but Vickers has been in the car way more and has a better understanding of the sport.

At age 32, Vickers fills the perfect role of having enough experience to keep up while also being young enough to operate at a high level.

Next: Racing With The Best Of The Best Is Important

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