Aric Almirola , a veteran of Stewart Haas Racing has once again shared his thoughts about retiring from NASCAR. He announced at the end of 2021 that 2022 will be his last full-time year. However, midway through the previous season, he decided to postpone his retirement plans. He is once more pondering his future as the 2023 mid-season approaches.
Almirola said that he still hasn’t decided whether he will continue racing or retire. He said that his decision is still fluid and he would make a decision soon about retirement. The SHR veteran stated that he is committed to improving his racing skills and continuing to pursue his goal of becoming the best racecar driver.
“I still think that it is very fluid.” I have no timetable. Aric Almirola: “I don’t have a timetable. I just wake up every day and work hard to be the best racecar driver I can. We’ll see how things turn out.”
After a winless 2022, the 2023 season hasn’t treated the veteran driver well. In 10 of 15 races, he finished outside the Top 20. This season he has only one Top 10 finish, a P6 in Martinsville. The No:10 driver has had the worst start to a Cup Season since his debut in SHR.
Aric Almirola’s contract extension for another year is the best bet for SHR
Kevin Harvick , the championship-winning SHR driver, has announced he will retire after the 2023 season. Harvick has made his decision and it will be a miracle to see him change course. SHR has a huge task in replacing one of its most successful drivers.
Reports claim that they’ve already identified JRM Xfinity driver Josh Berry, as a potential replacement. Talks about signing Berry for 2024 are nearing completion. SHR is also dealing with a Ryan Preece issue, since the veteran driver that replaced Cole Custer in last season’s race has not yet produced a run to justify his seat.
All three Cup seats at SHR, except for Chase Briscoe are in doubt. The team could theoretically replace Peerce by a young driver in the Xfinity Series if they can extend Almirola’s contract for another year. Almirola, a veteran driver, can help Berry and the rookie in their first season before retiring.
