Vickers, Speed to swap rides for Homestead finale

Red Bull Racing announced its No. 83 and No. 84 drivers will swap cars for this weekend's Sprint Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Brian Vickers, who's normally behind the wheel of the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota, will pilot Scott Speed's No. 84, and Speed will pilot the No. 83.

Brian Vickers

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"We already have two talented drivers under our roof, so we chose to switch drivers for one race and change the momentum for this team," said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing vice president and general manager. "Brian's a team player and wants to help the No. 84 see the same success the No. 83 has had this year. Scott's a rookie and we wanted to take some pressure off of him and let him focus on just driving the car.

"This organization is a team effort and we're treating it that way by finding a solution that works for everyone."

The No. 84 Toyota is 36th in owner points, 17 points behind the No. 47 Toyota currently piloted by Marcos Ambrose. The top 35 in owner points are guaranteed a starting spot in this week's season finale at Homestead and in the first five races of 2009.

In the four Cup races Speed has run since taking control of the No. 84 Toyota, he has finished 30th (Martinsville), 34th (Atlanta), 33rd (Texas) and 40th (Phoenix). Speed failed to make the race in Charlotte.

Vickers' No. 83 is safely in the top 35, currently 20th in the owner standings.