Brian Vickers won Sunday’s race in New Hampshire, effectively snapping out of his 75-race losing streak. It was the first Sprint Cup win for Vickers in almost four years.
Going into the final laps, most thought that Tony Stewart would win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but Vickers took the lead with 13 laps to go, leaving Stewart to run out of gas on the final lap.
The driver, who has struggled in the past few years, last won in August 2009 at Michigan International Speedway , according to ESPN . Several fans hailed the win as a comeback for Vickers, who is currently splitting time in the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 with Mark Martin .
He has been seeking funding for a full ride with the team next year, something that he may have secured with Sunday’s victory. USA Today reports that Brian Vickers stated after the win:
“[The last few years] couldn’t have been filled with more trials and tribulations. I had so much support from friends and family… thank God for the opportunity, for Michael [Waltrip] and [crew chief] Rodney [Childers] giving me the chance.”
Vickers added, “It just feels incredible to be standing here celebrating right now.” And for a driver who has faced several health scares the past four years, it’s no small feat to win a NASCAR race.
Brian Vickers has had incredible support from his fellow drivers, including close friend and five-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. The No. 48 driver pumped his fist out the window in a show of support about his friend’s victory. Several other drivers saluted Vickers one by one from their car, or with a back slap on his way to Victory Lane.
While blood clots were the initial reason Vickers was sidelined in 2010, he also had two procedures to close a hole in his heart and put a stent into a vein in his left leg. But hopefully the driver is done with medical issues and will continue to do well.
Were you excited to see Brian Vickers win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday?
[Image via Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com ]