CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Brian Vickers has been chosen the full-time driver of Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 55 Aaron's Toyota beginning next season.

Michael Waltrip Racing and Aaron's Inc. made the joint announcement official on Tuesday after months of speculation.

Aaron's decision to sponsor Vickers for every race for the next two seasons is rare in today's NASCAR world where full-time sponsorships have waned in recent years.

The 29-year-old Vickers told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he's "ecstatic" about the decision.

He's been splitting a ride the past two seasons with Mark Martin for MWR on the Sprint Cup Series and running a full schedule for Joe Gibbs Racing on the Nationwide Series.

Vickers lost his full-time ride in 2011 after Red Bull Racing shut down its Cup Series team.

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