“Time for the next chapter of my life” – Aric Almirola bids adieu to NASCAR after 2022 season

“Time for the next chapter of my life” – Aric Almirola bids adieu to NASCAR after 2022 season

Aric Almirola

American professional stock car racing driver Aric Almirola will retire from full-time NASCAR competition at the end of the 2022 Cup Series season. He confirmed this news on Monday morning with the release of a YouTube video titled, “The Next Chapter of My Life …”

 The driver of the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford has three NASCAR Cup Series wins, three NASCAR Xfinity Series wins, and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series wins against his name.

“I truly enjoy driving race cars and I‘m excited to race my heart out in 2022 for Smithfield and Stewart-Haas Racing,” Almirola said in the announcement video. “But to be the best in this business, you‘ve got to be selfish, and for the last 37 years, my life has always revolved around me and what I needed to do.

“I want to be present. I want to be the best husband and father, and that to me means more than being a race-car driver. So, it‘s one more year where I‘m all-in on racing, where we‘ll do whatever it takes to compete at the highest level. But when the season is over, I‘ll be ready to wave goodbye. I‘ve loved every minute of it, but it‘s time for the next chapter of my life.”

“Have watched Aric develop into a really good race-car driver” – Team co-owner Tony Stewart

Almirola, 37, joined the NASCAR Cup Series back in 2007’ He made his debut on March 11 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and served as a part-time driver through 2010 with multiple teams. He commenced competing full-time in 2012 with Richard Petty Motorsports in the historic No. 43, before moving over to Stewart-Haas Racing to claim the No. 10 Ford.

“I‘ve watched Aric develop into a really good race-car driver and it was a proud moment when we were able to bring him to Stewart-Haas Racing,” team co-owner Tony Stewart said. “He‘s really delivered for our race team and for Smithfield, always putting in maximum effort. I know he wants to go out on a high note and we‘re going to give him all the resources to succeed.

“That being said, we also want him to enjoy this season. Aric is a great husband and father, and this year will bring a lot of cool moments that he‘ll be able to share with his family. He‘s earned this opportunity to go out on his terms.”

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