Red Bull Racing and driver Brian Vickers announced today that he will not race again until next year.

Vickers was hospitalized last week for chest pains which were caused by pulmonary embolisms in both lungs which, in turn were caused by deep vein thrombosis in his left leg. The blood clotting disorder has forced Vickers to be put on blood thinners which makes racing dangerous for the 26-year-old.

Casey Mears replaced the ailing hot shoe during last weekend's race at Dover and he will pilot the No. 83 for the rest of the season; however, it is possible that road-course ringers will step in for those events.

NASCAR also approved Mears to drive in Saturday night's All-Star race in place of the regular driver who was eligible for the special, non-points event.

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