When NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers climbs in the #55 Toyota at Kentucky Speedway on June 29 he and his Aarons Dream Machine will sport University of Louisville colors and a paint scheme honoring the schools 2013 NCAA Mens Basketball National Championship team. The Cardinal Bird mascot on the hood and Vickers red, black and white fire suit will pay tribute to the school whose campus is about 60 miles from the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky. ‘Were thrilled Aarons and Brian Vickers have chosen to run the Louisville colors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Race at Kentucky Speedway’ said Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. ‘I know how many Louisville basketball fans are NASCAR fans, and like them Im looking forward to seeing the car on the track. I think one of those die cast cars might eventually make it to my office. Ive seen the paint scheme and its really sharp.” At last years Kentucky race, MWR founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip drove an Aarons/ University of Kentucky themed paint scheme. The Owensboro, Ky. native and 2010 Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame inductee admits seeing the Louisville colors on one of his cars makes him proud. U of L supporters and alumni can support Vickers in his second Sprint Cup start at the speedway by taking advantage of a special Cardinal Takeover ticket package that includes admission to a hospitality tent with food and complimentary beverages, a Fan Zone pass that provides race-day admission to the infield for pit road access and a trackside view of a prerace concert with Billy Currington. The first 200 fans to attend the Cardinal Takeover also will receive a collectible red miniature Louisville Slugger bat with the race logo emblazoned in gold. Cardinal Takeover packages can be purchased at http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/CardinalTakeover , by calling (859) 578-2300 or visiting the Kentucky Speedway ticket office at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.(MWR), see image of the car/scheme on the #55 Team Schemes page .
