“The middest driver to ever mid, Career underachiever”- Fans react as Aric Almirola announces he won’t return to SHR in 2024
With Almirola, his sponsor, Smithfield Food is also leaving the sport.
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Aric Almirola (Via IMAGO)
Stewart Haas Rcaing No:10 Ford Mustang driver Aric Almirola has announced that he won’t return to the NASCAR Cup series the team in 2024. He is expected to drive part-time in the Xfinity Series, potentially in cars with race-winning capabilities. Almirola will be the second driver leaving the Ford team, as Kevin Harvick is also set to retire at the end of the year.
Aric Almirola got into the NASCAR Cup Series, driving for Richard Petty in 2012, after his first full-time season in NASCAR with JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. He scored his maiden NASCAR win in 2014, winning the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. He lost his seat to Bubba Wallace in 2017 and joined Stewart Haas Racing.
He spent six seasons on Tony Stewart‘s team, scoring two race wins. In the first year with the team, he scored a best championship finish of P5. But he failed to produce a performance that was expected of him, and it is reflected in his win tally. He did have some stints of impressive consistency. But at the end of the race, he is retiring, having a career he can be proud of.
Obviously, as a race car driver and as a competitor, you always want more. I would have loved to have won more races and won a championship. That’s what I went over there for. I have won some races, so I’m proud of that, and we’ve had a lot of success, but I think at the end of the day that’s temporary.
Almirola said, as reported by NASCAR.com.
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NASCAR fans on social media react to the announcement
Fans on social media, especially X, reacted strongly to Almirola’s announcement. Some were quick to praise the driver for his strong showings over the years and also expressed their disappointment seeing him move on from SHR. Few fans were happy and sad simultaneously, as there are rumors that Noah Gragson might replace him.
Some fans used the opportunity to troll the driver and remind him how much he has undercard in his career. Few called him one of the biggest underachievers of the sport, a genuine argument considering Almirola’s talent. Some comments downplayed his achievements and called him just another mid-table driver.
the middest driver to ever mid
— necrogoatlord (@necrogoatlord) October 28, 2023
I can’t believe I’m saying this but I hope Custer gets another chance before they give the seat to gragson
— Alex Carter (@AlexCarterSport) October 28, 2023
Career underachiever
— 3rd Mario Party System (@NewYorkTankees) October 28, 2023
Do you think @Aric_Almirola is fully retiring or do you think he might have something else lined up because he didn’t say the word retire; he just says he isn’t returning to shr and is ready for the next adventure
— Brennan Sullivan (@BrennanSulli) October 28, 2023
Was great to see you race!! Your were one of my favorite drivers!! Enjoy your retirement with family and god!!
— Chris Free (@ChrisFree20) October 28, 2023
Gragson is already signed to the #10. Almirola is retiring because he doesn't have a ride
— GuhleW (@GuhleSzn) October 28, 2023
ITS HAPPENING NG NATION pic.twitter.com/MWKz1NpxDd
— Avery (@averysw9) October 28, 2023
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Justin P Joy
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