Aric Almirola has two months to make a final decision on retirement to avoid complications
Almirola taking a decision sooner than later is important for SHR for the 2024 seaosn.
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Aric Almirola (Credits: @Aric_Almirola/Twitter)
Stewart Haas Racing veteran Aric Almirola is finding it hard to make a decision about his future in the NASCAR Cup Series as a full-time driver. The No:10 Ford Mustang driver was all set to quit full-time racing last season, but his sponsors Smithfield and Tony Stewart’s team, persuaded him to drive one more season.
Aric Almirola has admitted many times this season that he has no idea what to do with his future amidst the poor stint he has had this season. The driver has been one of the finest drivers for SHR since he joined them back in 2018. Last season saw him miss out on the playoffs for the first time since joining the team after going winless the whole year, and the 2023 season hasn’t been the best as well.
Now RACER has reported that Aric Almirola has said that he needs to give SHR a clear answer about his future within the next 30 to 60 days. This will give the team enough time to plan for the future if he decides to retire. The team has to find a proper replacement for him and also needs to secure enough sponsorship as well.
“They have to plan for the future way more than I do. I’m very capable of pivoting and changing and switching, but the race team, there are a lot of moving parts with the race team. So, the race team certainly needs to have an idea of what’s going on, and the sooner, the better. Those are active discussions, and there are a lot of moving parts. There are a lot of variables, and it’s complicated. It’s not very easy,” Almirola told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
If he decides to retire, the team will bid adieu to two of their veterans. Kevin Harvick is set to retire at the end of the year, and the No:4 team has already announced his replacement. JRM Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry will replace the 2014 cup champion. The team is actively working on finding sponsorship for Berry, and having more time will be preferable for SHR if Almirola decides to retire.
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Aric Almirola now has hopes to win in Daytona to secure a win
On Saturday, the veteran said that Daytona is a great opportunity for them after Richmond, where he secured a P8 finish on Sunday. He said, “We know we’re still looking for speed at the downforce-type racetracks, but Daytona is a great opportunity for us. But we don’t want to wait that long.”
There are four more races left in the season, starting with next Sunday’s Michigan Cup race. Then it will be two back-to-back road course races, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen. The final race of the season will be at Daytona. Road Course races have never been the best bet for SHR or Almirola this season
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Justin P Joy
(4885 Articles Published)