from Brian Vickers.com

The 2003 NASCAR Busch Series champion, Brian Vickers, has been forced to pass on an invitation to participate in the 2004 IROC Series due to age-related government restrictions associated with new series sponsor Crown Royal. Vickers, who at 20 years of age became the youngest NASCAR national series champion in history, will turn 21 in October, 2004.

“Brian was excited to receive the call from Jay and Barbara Signore at IROC,” stated Vickers’ business manager, Eric Giangiordano. “They’re wonderful people and I think they were equally anticipating Brian’s participation this season. However, IROC relies on sponsor support like the rest of us and they recently announced a series title sponsorship by Crown Royal. Our understanding is that Crown Royal’s legal department reviewed the matter and determined that due to government-mandated guidelines, Brian could not be allowed to participate in a series they sponsor. We would have still needed final approval from Brian’s sponsors and had even proposed the concept of using him in messages designed for the “under 21” crowd, but the decision was made and we respect their position on the matter.”

“It’s disappointing, because I’ve made some friends in the open-wheel series and really wanted to race in IROC this year; you don’t get many chances like that,” stated Brian Vickers. “I want to thank Jay and Barbara Signore and IROC for extending the invitation and wish them success in 2004 with Crown Royal as their new sponsor. Hopefully, my No. 25 GMAC teammates and I will have a positive 2004 season and give them a good reason to invite me back again next year.”

Vickers’ Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Jimmie Johnson, is expected to be announced as a returning participant in the 2004 IROC Series.