Almirola Xfinity Series Leap: It appears that Aric Almirola, departing from Stewart-Haas Racing, may take on a part-time role with Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
Previously, Almirola had declared his retirement before the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. However, during that season, he reversed his decision and inked a deal to continue with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2023, potentially extending beyond that term.
Despite opting out of a seventh season with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, Almirola deferred his retirement, with indications pointing toward a potential rolealbeit part-timein the Xfinity Series. His ties with Joe Gibbs Racing date back to his debut in the Xfinity Series in 2006 and his subsequent introduction to the Cup Series in 2007 under the team’s banner.
The 39-year-old from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is speculated to transition to a part-time position within Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team for the 2024 season, particularly in their prominent “star car.” This potential shift was hinted at when team owner Joe Gibbs, alongside Cup driver Christopher Bell, showcased Almirola as one of the NASCAR drivers during an event sideline appearance, coinciding with a sports game involving the Washington Commanders.
While Gibbs boasts a significant legacy within the Washington football community, recent events have seen him more on the sidelines, raising some speculation among fans. However, a return to coaching or a third stint with the organization seems improbable. Notably, the new co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, Josh Harris, also holds ownership in the Commanders.
Amidst these developments, Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to confirm their full-time Xfinity Series drivers for the upcoming year. Speculation surrounds former drivers Sheldon Creed and Chandler Smith joining the team, with no alterations to this expectation as of now. Their official confirmation is anticipated shortly.
Regarding Almirola’s potential drive in the “star car,” no additional drivers have been officially announced for that particular car. However, in the Cup Series, Joe Gibbs Racing is anticipated to maintain its current lineup for 2024, featuring Bell, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., and Ty Gibbs, Joe’s grandson.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who does Aric Almirola drive for in Xfinity?
Nascar driver Aric Almirola is set to make a comeback to Joe Gibbs Racing, the team that launched his career, with a partial Xfinity Series schedule in 2024. Almirola had initially planned to retire from full-time Cup Series racing, but his impressive performance during the 2022 season convinced him to postpone his retirement for another year. He will be driving the No. 20 car for the team.
Who is number 98 in the Xfinity Series?
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford is expertly driven by Riley Herbst.
How old is Eric Almirola?
Joe Gibbs Racing has acquired 20 Toyota Supra for their upcoming races. Almirola, who has previously competed in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2012 to 2023, drove for Richard Petty Motorsports from 2012 to 2017 in their iconic No. 43 car and for Stewart-Haas Racing from 2018 to 2023 in their No. 10 Ford.
