Brian Vickers has two top-10 finishes at Daytona. Credit: Autostock

Brian Vickers Mailbag: Getting prepared

Only two Nextel Cup Series drivers -- Brian Vickers and Tony Stewart -- posted top-10 results in each of the last three restrictor-place races. Vickers, driver of the No. 25 Chevrolet, finished third at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in May, seventh in the season-opening Daytona 500 in February and sixth in last fall's Talladega event.

Q: What advice would you give David Gilliland after his win last week at Kentucky? -- Anthony

	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

Keep on doing what you're doing and don't give up. If you want it bad enough and work hard enough, things will go in your favor. There's going to be bumps in the road, but staying committed will go a long way. Regardless of what I say, it sounds as if things are headed in a positive direction for him.

Q: What's the hardest part of road-course racing? -- Several users

The hardest part is probably learning and accepting that you can't approach a road course like you do an oval. There are so many other variables involved from shifting to your braking points and making sure you hit your marks each and every lap.

Road courses aren't multi-groove tracks like some ovals, so to make a pass you have to be able to identify the weakness of the car in front of you and try to get around them by out-braking them into the corner or being able to get back to the gas quicker exiting the corner.

Q: What are your thoughts on restrictor-plate racing? -- Several users

I enjoy superspeedway racing because of the strategy that's involved. You have the one group of drivers who like racing at the restrictor-plate tracks and another group that just despises it. I'm not sure there's any middle ground when you're talking about places like Daytona and Talladega. Basically, it's a chess match at 200 mph and you have to plan ahead, know your opponent and pay just as much attention to the other cars out there and what they're doing as you do your own.

Q: Do you have an exercise regimen? If so, what is it? -- HeatherD

I workout as often as I can. I enjoy mountain biking and use it a lot of times as a workout. Other times I'll jump get in the gym do some cardio and workout with weights. Hendrick Motorsports also has a staff of trainers that I receive guidance from as it relates to my exercise program.

It can be difficult at times with our schedules, but I find the time to do it.

Q: Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite dish? -- Layna Nelson, New Mexico

I do enjoy cooking. I don't claim to be a chef by any means and I do appreciate the microwave, but from time to time I'll spend some time preparing a meal. Fish and chicken are some items I'll prepare. If I'm at the track making dinner, I like to use the grill when I can.

On other occasions, I'll pop something in the microwave. It really just depends on how the day went, what time it is and what's in the refrigerator. When we're away from the track, I try to go out for dinner with some friends, catch up and have a good time.

Q: Do you ever wish you would have never gotten into NASCAR -- NASCAR88KJ

There's been sacrifices along the way I've had to make, but that's true with a lot of people who have such a great passion for something. I love racing, the rush I get from it and competing. I don't regret getting involved with racing, not at all.