hearing David Green, who ran so well in the #5 GMAC Hendrick Motorsports Chevy after Ricky Hendrick announced his retirement, will NOT be back with the team in 2003 as they want to put a young driver in the seat, Casey Mears? or Brian Vickers?(11-26-2002)
UPDATE: Ricky Hendrick informed Green on Nov 18th that the team is going with youth for their 2003 driver of the #5. Speculation is that Casey Mears or Brian Vickers will get the seat.(Winston Cup Scene need subscription and Acrobat to read online)(11-29-2002)
UPDATE 2: hearing Green will end up with Brewco in either the #27 or #37 Pontiac with Casey Atwood driving the other car. The #37 has sposnorship for 2 more years with Timber Wolf and the #27 os looking for a sponsor.(12-3-2002)
UPDATE 3: Car owner Ricky Hendrick today announced the signing of driver Brian Vickers to pilot the #5 GMAC Financial Services Chevy in 2003. “We’re excited to have a talented young driver like Brian,” said Hendrick, who assumed the role of team owner immediately following the 2002 season. “I’ve always been impressed with his attitude, personality and ability on the race track. Brian has the potential to be a great race car driver. He’s bringing the kind of energy and desire it takes to be successful in this sport and I have no doubt that he’ll be a winning addition to Hendrick Motorsports and Team GMAC.” The 19-year-old Vickers made his Busch Series debut at The Milwaukee Mile in 2001 and ran the majority of the circuit for #40-BLV Motorsports the following season, starting 21 of 34 events. As a rookie in 2002, the Thomasville, N.C., native earned one top 10 and six top-15 finishes in the No. 40 entry while qualifying in the top 10 on three occasions, including an outside pole position at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November. “This is an awesome opportunity for me,” Vickers said. “I just graduated from high school in May and now I’m continuing my education with Hendrick Motorsports — it’s unbelievable. This is a top-notch team with the best possible equipment and a great sponsor in GMAC. I can’t imagine a better way to develop, both personally and professionally. Joining Hendrick Motorsports is truly an investment in my future.” Vickers, who graduated with honors from Trinity (N.C.) High School in May, began his racing career in 1993, earning 83 World Karting Association victories before competing in the Allison Legacy Race Series, NASCAR Weekly Racing Series and USAR Hooters ProCup Series, where he finished second in championship points in 2001 with two wins and three pole positions.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(12-9-2002)
