Brian Vickers path back to a full-time Sprint Cup career took a further step on Friday. Michael Waltrip Racing announced that it has added two more events to the former Red Bull Racing driver’s schedule in the No. 55 Toyota Camry.

Vickers hadn’t raced since November, 2011 at Homestead because his former team closed operations at the end of the year. He shook off the rust and finished fifth at Bristol Motor Speedway two weeks ago finishing fifth after leading 125-laps.

The two races added to Vickers’ original six-race MWR deal are at the road races Infineon Raceway on June 24 and Watkins Glen on August 12th.

“Brian did such an amazing job at Bristol that we wanted to reward him with more races,” said co-owner Michael Waltrip who will drive the No. 55 in four races.

“It has as much to do with how he interacted with (crew chief) Rodney Childers and the crew as what he did on the race track. They really enjoyed his input and his professional approach, and he was a great teammate to Martin Truex Jr. and Clint Bowyer. Those guys were really impressed with how he engaged with them and managed his race car.

Brian is a great young driver who is hungry to show what he can do.  In my mind, he earned these extra races with his approach and attitude, and I’m so happy we were able to offer them. Brian’s contribution to the team has continued the momentum Rodney and Mark Martin created pushing the No. 55 up to eighth in owner points.”

“I purposely waited for an opportunity that would allow me to be competitive and this is what I have found with Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Vickers who earned Toyota Racing Development its first Chase for the Sprint Cup entry in 2009. 

“I could see all of the progress MWR has made from the outside, and when I was able to get to experience it first hand at Bristol, I was so impressed. It’s hard to explain, but each one of these team members and each one of the drivers truly cares about the other.  There is a team atmosphere here and they welcomed me with open arms.  That cooperation is how we were able to put three cars in the top five at Bristol.  People don’t think of me as a road racer, but I love road racing and am so happy I will get a chance to compete at Infineon and Watkins Glen.”

Mark Martin will drive the No. 55 in 24 races plus the All Star race.

MWR No. 55 Driver Lineup

Apr. 14             Texas - Martin
Apr. 22             Kansas - Martin
May 6               Talladega - Waltrip
May 12             Darlington - Martin
May 19             All Star Race- Martin
May 27             Charlotte - Martin
June 3              Dover - Martin
June 10            Pocono - Martin
June 17            Michigan - Martin
June 24            Infineon - Vickers
June 30            Kentucky - Waltrip
July 7               Daytona - Waltrip
July 15             New Hampshire - Vickers
July 29             Indianapolis - Martin
Aug. 5              Pocono - Martin
Aug. 12            Watkins Glen - Vickers
Aug. 19            Michigan - Martin
Aug. 25            Bristol - Vickers
Sept. 2             Atlanta - Martin
Sept. 8             Richmond - Martin
Sept. 16           Chicago - Martin
Sept. 23           New Hampshire - Vickers
Sept. 30           Dover - Martin
Oct. 7               Talladega - Waltrip
Oct. 13             Charlotte - Martin
Oct. 21             Kansas - Martin
Oct. 28             Martinsville- Vickers
Nov. 4              Texas - Martin
Nov. 11            Phoenix - Martin
Nov. 18            Homestead - Martin