While Aric Almirola is stepping away from Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the season, he isn’t ready to stop racing. You could say that Almirola is “retired” as far as full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing is concerned. However, he has some ideas for the future.
Talking to the media today at Martinsville, Aric Almirola opened up about his future. He isn’t going to come back to SHR, but he’s going to stick around NASCAR. There is a lot of competitiveness still there for Almirola to keep racing.
Almirola might just pop up in some Truck and Xfinity Series races next year.
“I’m excited just about having some weekends off, right?” Almirola said, via Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. “So go back to doing some late model racing like I used to when I was a kid. If there’s an opportunity to run a handful of truck races here and there or something like that, run some Xfinity races. I think the door’s open. I’ve had a lot of just amazing conversations over the last four to six months about different opportunities so I want to stay involved in the industry. I love this industry. I love the people in the industry. This industry has afforded me and my family a wonderful life and I don’t want to just walk away from it.”
So, semi-retired Aric Almirola has a couple of ideas. He isn’t going to just give up racing cold turkey. Then again, that’s the norm for most drivers. Almirola’s boss Tony Stewart is competing for championships in NHRA at the age of 52. For some of these wheelmen, racing never ends.
Aric Almirola announces he will not return to SHR
So, another driver from Stewart-Haas Racing will not return for 2024. Aric Almirola will go off with Kevin Harvick and depart the team after Phoenix this season. While he has plans for doing things outside of the Cup Series, Almirola is entering a new chapter in his life.
Or as he calls it, his “next adventure.”
“After much prayer and conversations with my family, I’m ready for the next adventure,” Almirola started. “To everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing: A genuine and heartfelt THANK YOU for the last six years. Winning races and competing with all of you have been a thrill. Our opportunity together was made possible by all of our wonderful partners to which I owe much gratitude because as a race-car driver, I can’t compete without corporate sponsorship. It’s been an honor to represent the many companies and all of their employees.
“To Smithfield: I am humbled for the opportunity to represent your company and brands. Twelve years ago you brought me into the Smithfield family and took a chance on me. I am forever indebted to the people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet and represent. My career and life wouldn’t be what it is today without your support.
“God turned my childhood dream of being a professional race-car driver into reality, and I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful for the opportunities, the wins, the celebrations, the struggles, the partnerships and, most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships we’ve made. My family and I have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination because of all that the NASCAR community has to offer. As for the future … Proverbs 19:21.”
Three career wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, six pole awards, and years and years of memories. Aric Almirola is departing SHR for the next step in his career.
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