Brian Vickers has been in the news lately, but he says with all the things going on inside the car, it's hard to get distracted. Credit: Autostock

Brian Vickers Mailbag: Distractions, distractions

Brian Vickers heads to Michigan this week, a track where he has historically qualified well but has been across the board in finishes.

	Brian Vickers is 22nd in the points heading to Michigan. Credit: Autostock
	VICKERS MAILBAG Brian Vickers will answer fans' questions each week on NASCAR.COM.  •   To post a question, click here

In three of his four starts at the track, he has qualified inside the top 10. At the checkered flag, Vickers' average finish is 20.2, with a pair of ninth-place finishes.

He is hoping to change that this weekend, sitting 22nd in the points and coming off his fourth-place run at Pocono.

Q: Just a simple question, who designs your firesuits and everything to go with it? -- BVgirl25, Parts Unknown

From a safety standpoint, I keep up with all of the latest features and technologies associated with the uniform, gloves, shoes, helmets and long underwear I use. All of those items are constantly evaluated, ensuring I'm as safe as I can be.

From a design standpoint, there are a number of different people involved. In most cases, Hendrick Motorsports creates several designs to get things rolling. As our primary sponsor, GMAC then looks at the various designs, inserting their thoughts and wishes. Then, as the designs get narrowed down, I provide my feedback and before too long we have a finished product.

Q: In your opinion, is Pocono more of a driver's racetrack, or a car's racetrack? Me and my friends can't decide. -- Katie, Orlando

Free VideoA day's worth of news in 90 seconds

It's both. Because of the unique layout of Pocono, you have to have a car that handles well and has good power for the straightaways.

The driver also needs to do his job, too. Pocono isn't necessarily a track that has a lot of grooves that you hunt and search for throughout the race. You may vary your line slightly, but for the most part, it's important for the driver to hit their marks, particularly in the tricky Tunnel Turn.

Q: Do you ever find yourself distracted during a race? -- Becca 24

Between trying to concentrate, relaying information about the car, listening to my spotter and crew chief speak on the radio, I don't have much time to talk, to daydream.

There are things that go through my head as the race progresses, but I wouldn't say I would classify it as a distraction.