After capturing victory at the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Focused Health 302 held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Aric Almirola announced his next major move in the 2025 season. Almirola revealed during a post-race press conference on October 11 that he will step in for Justin Bonsignore to drive the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 car in the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway. This development positions Aric Almirola Xfinity Series Phoenix as a crucial headline leading into the final race.
Details Behind the Driver Change for JGR No. 19
Almirola’s latest triumph has resulted in the No. 19 car earning a secured spot in the owners’ points Championship 4, allowing the team to continue its pursuit of the owners’ championship. The team originally scheduled NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour racer Justin Bonsignore to drive the final race in Arizona, but following the Las Vegas win, a change was made to maximize their championship chances.
“Almirola just revealed in his post-race presser that Justin Bonsignore, who was originally scheduled to drive the No. 19 car at Phoenix, will be handing driving duties over to Almirola so that he & the 19 team can chase the owners’ championship.”
— Stephen Stumpf (@stephen_stumpf)
Throughout the current season, several drivers, including both Bonsignore and Almirola, have taken turns piloting the JGR No. 19 car. This change reflects the team’s flexibility and focus on the owners’ title.
Almirola’s Strong Season Leads to Strategic Decision
Almirola has proven to be a strong competitor in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, making 14 starts and recording three victories alongside nine top-ten finishes. His recent performance has been especially notable, with two wins in his last three starts, including a victory at Bristol Motor Speedway and his latest at Las Vegas.
As a former NASCAR Cup Series veteran, Almirola brings extensive experience and momentum to the team’s championship aspirations at Phoenix Raceway. This season, his consistency and success have established him as a key driver in Joe Gibbs Racing’s pursuit of the owners’ trophy.
Impact and What to Expect in the Phoenix Finale
The decision for Almirola to take the wheel of the No. 19 car in Phoenix marks a calculated move in the tight race for the Xfinity Series owners’ championship. His mix of experience and recent success may provide Joe Gibbs Racing the advantage needed for a strong finish in Arizona. As anticipation builds for the championship finale, Phoenix Raceway will see one of the season’s most consequential driver changes, with Aric Almirola Xfinity Series Phoenix storylines shaping what’s at stake for teams and fans alike.
Almirola just revealed in his post-race presser that Justin Bonsignore, who was originally scheduled to drive the No. 19 car at Phoenix, will be handing driving duties over to Almirola so that he & the 19 team can chase the owners' championship.
— Stephen Stumpf (@stephen_stumpf) October 12, 2025
