CORNELIUS, N.C., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Brian Vickers, eighth in the Nationwide points standings, will miss the rest of the driving season because of a blood clot, his team announced Monday.
Vickers, 29, was placed on medication Monday after a doctor's examination Monday found a blood clot in his right calf, Michael Waltrip Racing said in a release.
"If there's anything to be positive about with today's news it's that this is only a temporary setback," Vickers said. "The timing for this is never good but I'm glad we'll get it out of the way now and be ready to run for a championship (in Sprint Cup) in 2014."
Vickers was scheduled to drive the No. 55 car for MWR in the last four Sprint Cup races this year. Team owner Michael Waltrip was already taking over the driving for the upcoming race in Talladega. Replacement drivers for the rest of the season are to be determined later.
Vickers will also miss three Nationwide races for Joe Gibbs Racing. He usually drives the No. 20 Toyota for that team.
He previously was diagnosed with blood clots in his legs and lungs and underwent heart surgery as part of the treatment. He was out most of the 2010 season with the health issues.
MWR announced in August that Vickers would be the full-time driver for the No. 55 next season.
