I enjoy the new challenges that come with being on live TV...
Brian Vickers
If you can't be driving in the race, the next best thing is talking about it.
Nothing will ever replace the thrill of driving but I am privileged to have been given the opportunity by NBC Sports to use my years of racing experience to bring expert analysis to NASCAR fans all across the world.
Give us a brief overview of how you got into TV.
It really just started gradually over time. I started doing more and more while I was racing. I never really aspired to be on TV growing up, but it was helpful for sponsors; especially my work with Janssen and Xarelto. That was when I think I really started to enjoy doing television and acting. Once I stopped racing full time I did more and more. When I started doing the post race shows for NBC, I really enjoyed the challenge of live TV and it gave me a way to stay connected to racing. That segued into doing more work in TV that was outside motorsports.
What are some of your TV highlights?
I think the Xarelto commercials were a big highlight. I really enjoyed working with them and the other actors. They were aired nationally and quite regularly; it was great exposure outside of the motorsports world. NBC NASCAR America has also been a highlight. I enjoyed being behind the desk and working more and more live off a teleprompter with a structured show.
Do you have aspirations for future TV work?
I want to see what is out there, what excites me and see where it goes but the short answer is YES!
Brian Vickers spent most of his career as a NASCAR and motorsports race car driver before transitioning into television and business. Brian drove for many teams and brands. Most notably Hendrick Motorsports, Red Bull, Michael Waltrip Racing, AF Corse Ferrari, and most recently for Stewart Hass Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series filling in for Tony Stewart when he was injured. Racing again is not off the table by any means for Brian. It remains his number one passion but it’s not his sole focus anymore.
Brian has now accumulated many years of experience acting and hosting – he’s been on “Hart of Dixie”, “The Glades”, GQ, “The Daily Show”, NBC, History Channel’s “Car Week”, and he co-hosted Esquire’s iconic “Car of the Year” and their more recent car matchmaking series “Joyride”. He’s also widely known for his work with Johnson & Johnson’s Pharma brand Xarelto in his many commercials over a 5 year span. Some of which he co-stared with Arnold Palmer, Kevin Nealon, Chris Bosh & Katie Hoff.
<– Here’s a diverse demo reel of his on-camera work.
For commercial and appearance request please contact us here.
This was an interview on The Torque Show With Tommy Kendall and Justin Bell in Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona 2020 Race. It was great to finally be on the show with the boys! I love their show. It was great to see a lot of faces in Daytona around the racing community. Yes, I was “kicking tires” as they say. Who knows what the future holds but love to be back in a car again soon and love to do it in IMSA!
This was the first commercial I ever did with Johnson & Johnson’s Pharma division Janssen on their blood thinner Xarelto. It was really special to work with such talented and amazing people, from the Janssen team to the production crew. Most of all it gave me an unprecedented avenue to share my story and help raise awareness around the risk of blood clots.
For commercial and appearance request please contact us here.
I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing people in my career but working with Arnold Plamer, and yes you too Kevin 🙂 was one of the highlights of my career for sure! They didn’t call him the king for nothing. He was as special of a person off the course, as he was talented on it. Kevin on the other hand…well he just exudes awesomeness. He was always one of my favorite comedians and now I can call him one of my favorite friends.
For commercial and appearance request please contact us here.
I think the Xarelto commercials were a big highlight. I really enjoyed working with them and the other actors. They were aired nationally and quite regularly; it was great exposure outside of the motorsports world. NBC NASCAR America has also been a highlight. I enjoyed being behind the desk and working more and more live off a teleprompter with a structured show.
For commercial and appearance request please contact us here.
Check out Esquire Network on October 24th, 2015 at 9PM Eastern as hosts Matt Farah, Spike Feresten, Brian Vickers, and Sam Smith put our favorite 16 cars of 2015 to a brutal test to find out what’s the best! We shred tires, nearly kill each other, and laugh our heads off driving the best metal 2015 has to offer!
How many times can the NASCAR driver and T-Pain park a 2017 Mini John Cooper Works Convertible? Watch on “Joyride”.
