Michael Waltrip Racing learned today that Brian Vickers is not available to race for the rest of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season due to health issues.

Vickers said Dr. William Downey is placing him on blood thinning medication after a Monday morning examination on his right leg discovered a small blood clot in his calf region.

The medications will keep Vickers out of his No. 55 car for the rest of the season, effective immediately. Vickers says his physicians are confident he will be able to resume activity before the 2014 NASCAR season begins.

“If there’s anything to be positive about with today’s news it’s that this is only a temporary setback,” said Vickers. “The timing for this is never good, but I’m glad we’ll get it out of the way now and be ready to run for a championship with the Aaron’s Dream Machine in 2014.”

Michael Waltrip Racing’s co-owner Rob Kaufman expressed their support of Vickers and their intention to work on a replacement.

“We were just informed this morning and our concern is for Brian’s health,” said Rob Kaufman. “Anything else will be worked out in due course.”

Two-time Daytona 500 champion and co-owner,  Michael Waltrip is already scheduled to drive the No. 55 car this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

Look for a replacement driver announcement for the rest of the season, once details are worked out by the organization.

In 22 races with MWR in 2012 and 2013, Vickers owns five top-five and ten top-ten finishes including a victory on July 14th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.