Aric Almirola is CLUELESS about his NASCAR Cup future

Aric Almirola needs to decide on retirement before the playoffs so that SHR can assess its options for the future.

Aric Almirola is CLUELESS about his NASCAR Cup future

Aric Almirola at Nashville (Credits: @Aric_Almirola/ Twitter)

Stewart Haas Racing and their No:10 Ford Mustang driver Aric Almirola are having a big dilemma in 2023. Half the season is over, and the driver has not decided on his retirement. He was supposed to retire at the end of 2022 but decided to call it off last year. But the lack of progress on the track has again put him at the crossroads.

SHR needs Almirola to take his decision quickly as they need to find the proper replacement. Team co-owner and former three times Cup champion Tony Stewart is a picky guy regarding driver selection, putting them in a situation where they need time to find the best talent and secure enough sponsors for him.

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They have already replaced veteran Kevin Harvick with Josh Berry, who will join them at the end of 2023. Demoted Cole Custer is yet to prove that he deserves a promotion once again to the Cup from Xfinity. The uncertainty over extending Ryan Preece’s contract is an issue as well. So Almirola needs to make a decision quickly, and the veteran is failing to do exactly that. He admitted in Nashville that he is clueless about what to do.

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He admitted that in 2022 he was clear about his future, but in 2023 he isn’t. Almirola said, “The plan was to say yes…honestly, I don’t know. This time last year, I felt like I had a pretty good idea where things were headed, and honestly, right now, I am taking it day by day.”

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Aric Almirola is hopeful he will get back to form following a good mid-season break

Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola (Credits: Sportscasting)

Aric Almirola went on to add that he is hope full to end the poor start to the season he had and secure the playoff he missed out on last season after going winless. He isn’t the only one desperate for wins in SHR this season, as his teammates Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece also need to secure wins to enter the playoffs.

The team can gain significant momentum if any one of its drivers scores a win. Almirola hopes to become the game-changer for the team. He said, “The season is such a grind, right?…just doing my business as usual. Enjoyed the off and looking for the season ahead.”

The Cup event at Nashville has been a struggle for him as he and his entire team failed to score a top 10. But the teams will be less worried, considering none of the Fords made it to the top 10, making fans point fingers at the cars more than the drivers. But it won’t be the case for upcoming races.

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