When today’s race is over, Aric Almirola will move into the next stage of his career, away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing. Now, he’s not done going fast. He just wants to step back and race in a more part-time capacity. Xfinity and Trucks here and there, maybe some Cup racing.
While there is a lot of reason to be sad about today, Aric Almirola is choosing not to be. He’s embracing this moment. Clearly, he’s thought about this and knows that this is the decision he wants to make. Ahead of the race today, he talked about his emotions leading up to his finale with Stewart-Haas Racing.
“Grateful that it happened. Not sad that it’s over,” he wrote on Twitter, along with a video. “It’s been an incredible final weekend with the 10 team and [Stewart-Haas Racing].”
“You know what? I thought I was going to be sad, and I flew out here on Wednesday,” Almirola said in the video. “I had four and a half hours on an airplane to think about it. I’m not sad at all, I’m happy it happened. I have been so blessed and so fortunate to do what I love to do for as long as I’ve wanted to do it. And it’s not always been easy, but I am so grateful. I’ll have these last 20 years to look back on for the rest of my life and be so thankful. And the relationships, the friendships and the relationships, those will continue on, way past this weekend.”
Aric Almirola and Kevin Harvick, one last ride. Although, I think things are a little more emotional for Harvick who is ending his career full-stop.
Aric Almirola starting P28 at Phoenix
Now, things are not going to be easy for Aric Almirola today. He has a lot of work to do. As he closes out his career in the Cup Series and for SHR, he will start all the way in P28. Qualifying did not go according to plan for the veteran driver.
Still, there is an opportunity here. If the pit strategy plays out right, Almirola could find himself with good track position and a chance to get a great finish in his last race. Phoenix is a short track, but it is at least wide enough to allow for passing where other track don’t allow this Next Gen car.
This is a big weekend for NASCAR. Champions are being crowned. Drivers are suiting up for their last rides with one team or another. Others are hanging up their NASCAR firesuit forever. Lots of emotions on that track today.
The Cup Series champion will be crowned today. It will be either William Byron, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, or Christopher Bell. Who will become the 2023 NASCAR champion?
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