Aric Almirola is preparing for a pivotal moment in his career as he returns to drive the No. 19 Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway, aiming for victory in the Joe Gibbs Racing Phoenix finale. After coming up just short in last year’s title-deciding event, Almirola is determined to turn his second chance into the ultimate reward for both himself and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Following his win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 11, Almirola confirmed he will take over for Justin Bonsignore in the Xfinity finale and expressed excitement about returning to the team with which his NASCAR journey began. The 41-year-old driver reflected on the significance of chasing another owners’ championship for Joe Gibbs Racing, the team that provided him his first career milestones at only 19 years old.
“We’re gonno go and try win another championship. It would be the highlight of my career. I left Phoenic last year pretty sad and disappointed that Iididn’t get it done for coach and honestly its not about me, I’m at thing point in my life and my career that I don’t have to have this. I love it and I want it but don’t have to have it,”
Aric Almirola said during a post-race media session, via Frontstretch.—Aric Almirola, NASCAR Driver
Reflections on Last Year’s Championship Race
In the Xfinity Series finale last season at Phoenix, Almirola was a leading contender throughout an intense race that extended to 213 laps due to overtime restarts. Despite his efforts, Riley Herbst won the event, and Justin Allgaier secured the series championship. Almirola finished third, narrowly missing out on delivering Joe Gibbs Racing a coveted title.
“That was fun but that was a bummber to finish one spot short of bringing a championship for JGR and then all of a sudden the way this year’s played out now. … So hopefully the bless me with a second chance and I won’t crew it up this time,”
he added.—Aric Almirola, NASCAR Driver
A Career That Comes Full Circle
Almirola’s history with Joe Gibbs Racing is long, having made both his Xfinity Series and Cup Series debuts with the organization in 2005 and 2007. This year, as a part-time competitor in Xfinity, he already notched a victory at Phoenix Raceway, winning the GOVX 200 in March after beginning the race from eighth position. That early season success at Phoenix has further fueled his passion for a championship run in the finale.
Recent Triumph at Las Vegas Builds Momentum
Building on strong performances, Aric Almirola led a commanding 107 laps in last weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In a dramatic finish, he secured victory by overtaking Connor Zilisch with fewer than ten laps remaining. The veteran’s persistent drive yielded his third win in 14 starts for the 2024 season, marking his sixth Xfinity Series victory since rejoining Joe Gibbs Racing this year.
Connor Zilisch finished in second, after leading late thanks to a timely restart. The closing stages saw Justin Allgaier, Corey Day, and Nick Sanchez round out the top five, while Jesse Love maintained a presence among the frontrunners before settling for sixth. Almirola’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and his competitive edge bode well for his Phoenix finale campaign.
The Stakes at Phoenix and What Comes Next
The upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway is steeped in personal and professional significance for Almirola. As he looks to deliver Joe Gibbs Racing another Xfinity owners’ championship, the event stands as a potential crowning achievement in a career that began with this very organization. The presence of key competitors—including experienced drivers like Justin Allgaier and up-and-coming talents such as Nick Sanchez and Jesse Love—guarantees an intense and unpredictable showdown.
Should Almirola succeed, it will not only mark redemption for last year’s narrow miss but also provide a fitting tribute to Joe Gibbs and the team that shaped his journey. As NASCAR fans await the season’s conclusion, the Joe Gibbs Racing Phoenix finale promises high stakes, passionate racing, and the possibility for a storybook ending for a driver motivated by both history and the hunger for victory.
“Honestly, it would be the highlight of my career.”
–@Aric_Almirola on racing at Phoenix for the Owner’s Championship.
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— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) October 12, 2025
