Brian Vickers, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver of the Number 83 Toyota, is currently 20th in the season’s points standings – 160 points behind the 12th position for the Chase.  He won’t find himself in the 83 Toyota this Sunday, though, trying to win the Autism Speaks race at Dover International Speedway.

Vickers has been hospitalized with blood clots around his lungs as well as in his legs.  He complained of discomfort in his chest earlier this week and was sent to the hospital by Red Bull Racing Manager Jay Frye. 

The cause of the blood clots is uncertain at this time by the team, but there is hope of Vickers being release from the hospital sometime Friday.  He is currently taking medication to thin his blood to help remove the blood clots.

At this time, there is no specific timeframe for when Vickers will find himself back in his Toyota Sprint Cup car.  Due to this fact, the team had to act immediately in finding a replacement for this week’s race at Dover since Vickers would be unable to race.  Vickers’ replacement for this week at least is Casey Mears.  Vickers will also probably miss next week’s All-Star race, which is held in Charlotte.

Vickers is currently in his seventh full season of racing in the Sprint Cup Series.  He has two Cup wins in his career and he made his way into the Chase for the Cup last season.  Although he made the Chase last year, with this type of setback, it is unlikely that he’ll be able to make it in the Top 12 to make it to the Chase this 2010 NASCAR season.

Before Vickers can get back in his No. 83 Red Bull Toyota, he will have to receive clearance from NASCAR doctors.

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