WATCH: Aric Almirola has a wholesome moment with his kids after Martinsville Xfinity win with JGR
Aric Almirola scored his first win since cup retirement on Saturday.
Aric Almirola celebrating his win with his kids (Via IMAGO and Screenshot: @NASCAR/X)
Joe Gibbs Racing has been dominating the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series in the last few weeks. They have won three of the last four races in the top two series in a dominant fashion. The latest win on the list came at this Saturday thanks to Aric Almirola. The veteran racer drove an impressive race in the No:20 Toyota.
Aric Almirola won the race beating teammate Sheldon Creed and JRM’s Sam Mayor in a chaotic overtime re-start. He won the race under caution that was called due to the multi-car pileup that was caused by Riley Herbst, Brandon Jones and Ryan Ellis wrecking on the last lap. This marked his fifth win at the iconic track.
This is what it's all about. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EbnmtwGNI8
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) April 7, 2024
Almirola was over the moon after the win and celebrated the win with his family. He embraced his kids who came onto the track to join him in celebration. They later joined the veteran racer on the podium celebrations as well. The victory was also his first since retiring from full-time racing at the end of 2023 season.
He announced his retirement from the No:10 SHR team last year in-order to spend more time with his family. But he was given the opportune to end his career where it started by Joe Gibbs and he took the chance with both hands. He is more than just a part-time racer at JGR, he is working as a mentor for all the Toyota racers part of the JGR development program. This win will give him more credibility among the young racers.
The Martinsville worth more to Aric Almirola than his previous Xfinity triumphs
Technically Aric Almirola secured his first Xfinity win in 2007 at Martinsville. But he always saw it as a tainted victory because it was Denny Hamlin who actually finished the race for JGR. He got to drive in the race because Hamlin, who had Cup duties got caught during travel and was late to the event. So Almirola started the race.
But when Hamlin got into the track, JGR decide to pit and swap driver. After the race Almirola was credited the win since he started the race. It was actually a pretty messy moment for the team as well as the ex-SHR driver. So now having this proper win means, he could final get that feeling of his shoulder.
Man, this is so awesome. To win for Joe Gibbs Racing. I’ve had an asterisk next to a win for Coach (Joe Gibbs) for 17 years, and this is so awesome to finally put a real win banner up inside the shop at Joe Gibbs Racing.Aric Almirola said.
The win would give JGR more momentum coming into the next race weeks, as they chase their first championship since Ty Gibbs in 2022. It also gives validation to Almirola’s decision to end his Cup career and explore opportunities in the second tier.
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