Vickers Cleared to Race Full Cup Slate for MWR

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Brian Vickers says he’s off blood thinners and plans to run the entire Sprint Cup schedule this season, beginning with next month’s Daytona 500.

The 30-year-old Vickers missed the final five races last season after doctors discovered a blood clot last October. He also missed the final 25 races of 2010 because of blood clots and heart surgery.

Aaron’s will be his full-time sponsor for the No. 55 Toyota car for the season. Vickers says he’s “never been more excited to get back in a car.”

Vickers has run 22 races with Michael Waltrip Racing and has 10 top-10 finishes. He won last July at New Hampshire.

The victory ended Vickers’ 75-race winless streak and solidified his full-time hiring in the No. 55 car.