MWR signs Vickers for 6 races in 2012

LAS VEGAS (AP) Brian Vickers will run six races for Michael Waltrip Racing in the No. 55 Toyota this season, starting at Bristol Motor Speedway next week.

Vickers also will run at the August race in Bristol and both races at Martinsville and New Hampshire.

Mark Martin will drive the No. 55 in 24 races, along with the All-Star Race in Charlotte. MWR will name a driver for two road course races later this season.

Vickers had a full-time ride in the Sprint Cup series for the past eight years, with two career victories and 11 poles. He finished 25th in the Sprint Cup standings last season for Red Bull Racing.

The 28-year-old drove for Hendrick Motorsports before joining Red Bull in 2007.