Brian Vickers is 20th in the Nextel Cup Series standings. Credit: Autostock

Brian Vickers Mailbag: Spare-time antics

Brian Vickers heads to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, likely with a boatload of confidence. In last year's event at the 1.5-mile track in Joliet, Ill., Vickers started fifth and finished fourth.

	Credit: Autostock
	VICKERS MAILBAG Brian Vickers will answer fans' questions each week on NASCAR.COM.  •   To post a question, click here

Vickers has completed every lap in his two Cup starts at Chicagoland, with an average finish of ninth.

Q: Would you rather go to the city or the country when you go on vacation? -- Kat, Parts Unknown

Vickers: It just depends. I'd have to say though, being on the beach or on the water somewhere quiet and warm is tough to beat.

Q: Do you have any interesting phobias? -- Several users

Vickers: No, or at least none that I'm aware of. I don't have any pre-race rituals, either. I have been known though to catch a nap inside the racecar from time to time. I have just always been very comfortable in the cockpit of my racecars and it is one of the few places where we can be alone and have our thoughts to ourselves.

I like to be relaxed before going out to qualify or race, so I'll close my eyes and take a quick nap.

Q: What happens during commercials on Inside Nextel Cup? -- Becca, N.D.

Vickers: There's usually a lot of laughing. First, it's business. The producer will provide us with information and direction for the next segment and then, I listen to [Ken] Schrader and Michael [Waltrip] tell stories. Sometimes I have my own story to tell, but most of the time I'm laughing at their stories.

There's no shortage of laughs when you're around those two guys. I enjoy the opportunity I have, it's a lot fun.

Q: If you could pick your teammates, who would they be -- Several users

I think I have pretty cool teammates right now in Jeff, Jimmie, Kyle and Terry.