Vickers

This week we're headed to Bristol Motor Speedway and I can hardly contain myself. Racing there is indescribable and I guess that's why they pack the stands every race. This may seem odd to some people, but I skipped my high school prom last year so I could race at Bristol.

To be honest, it was sort of a "no-brainer" for me. In the end, everything worked out as we started 14th and finished 14th during my first-ever race at the half-mile bullring.

It's amazing how things can change within the course of a year. One year ago I was a senior at Trinity High School near my hometown of Thomasville, N.C., and racing a partial schedule in the Busch Series with a team my family owned.

Fast forward a year and I'm driving the No. 5 GMAC Financial Services Chevy Busch Series on a full-time basis for one of the premier organizations in all of Motorsports -- Hendrick Motorsports. I've said it a million times so far this season, but it's true -- I've been given the opportunity of a lifetime by Ricky Hendrick and Mr. Rick Hendrick.

It's a dream come true for me to be a part of the Hendrick organization. For the longest time I've wanted to pursue a career in NASCAR and I've been able to accomplish that with some success during the past two seasons, but now things have been taken to an all-new level by joining Hendrick Motorsports.

I'm only 19, but my love of racing developed early. I started racing go-karts when I was 10 and continued to work my up through the ranks of the Allison Legacy Car Series, Late Models and the Hooter's ProCup Series before making my first Busch Series start at The Milwaukee Mile in 2001.

It wasn't until I grew older that I really began giving any consideration to racing as a job. My parents have been there for me throughout my career and I appreciate everything they've done. We spent much of our time at the races and I missed out on a lot of things growing up, but looking back I don't regret any of it because I love what I'm doing now.

Every race was a learning experience for me and I did the best job I could to absorb as much information as possible from the other racers and people around me. I'm a fan of every form of racing from Formula One to motorcycles -- it all amazes me and I try to study everything about the sport.

I take my job very seriously from the sponsor and media commitments to preparing for each race. I study videotapes from past events and make notes leading up to and following every race. I try to make the most of everything I have at my fingertips because I want to be the best out there on the track. Everything I do or don't do is done with that goal in mind.

I realize that I have a lot more to learn about racing in addition to what I've already tucked away. Fortunately, Hendrick Motorsports has surrounded me with great people and all of the resources necessary to be successful. In a sense, I almost feel like I'm starting over this season with the GMAC team.

After all, I'm competing in the Busch Series on a full-time basis, driving for a different team and we've got to adapt to the new Chevrolet Monte Carlo body-style for 2003. I'm not the only one in this position. My crew chief Lance McGrew and all of the crew guys are in the same situation.

There's going to be an adjustment period for our team this season. As time passes, the lines of communication will continue to develop. We're going to experience some growing pains this year, there's no doubt about it. But, within reason, my goal when I go to the race track is to win, but I'm also realistic in my expectations.

I believe we can bring home a win or two for Hendrick Motorsports this season, but I know it's going to take some time for the team and myself to jell. More importantly, I expect to be competitive and consistent every week. So far, we're headed in the right direction.

So long for now, but thanks for the opportunity to share my experiences with you this season. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I will.

Brian Vickers drives the No. 5 GMAC Financial Services Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch Series. He will be providing a monthly diary to ESPN.com throughout the 2003 NASCAR season. Vickers' personal Web site can be found at www.brianvickers.com or go to www.hendrickmotorsports.com for team information