Aric Almirola delivered a remarkable performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by capturing victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday, prevailing over younger competitors in an arena typically dominated by rising stars. The seasoned driver, standing out in a field filled with hopefuls making their name, leveraged his extensive experience to secure another win for Joe Gibbs Racing, reinforcing his impact in the Aric Almirola NASCAR Xfinity Series narrative.
At 41 years old, with 460 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series to his name, Almirola is far from being regarded as an up-and-coming talent among the current Xfinity Series roster. His history in NASCAR, which predates many of his rivals’ careers, brings a wealth of experience to each race. This background has proven to be a major asset since joining Joe Gibbs Racing for a partial 2024 schedule, producing significant results for the organization.
Almirola’s journey this year showcases consistency and competitiveness, having equaled last season’s tally of three wins after just 14 starts. His victory at Las Vegas was earned by overtaking Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old contender hailed as a title favorite and notable for ten wins already in 2025. While Zilisch’s own pursuit of the Championship 4 could have provided a compelling narrative, it was Almirola’s resilient effort that drew attention, embodying the enduring spirit of a veteran defying generational change in NASCAR.
Family Moments Define Almirola’s Racing Success
Almirola’s emotional post-race celebration highlighted the significance of family in his racing journey, as his children joined him in the media center to witness their father’s accomplishment firsthand. The importance of sharing such milestones with loved ones is a recurring theme for the driver.
“I know that it’s just different when my family is here and when they’re not. I absolutely love sharing these moments with them, because eventually, this is going to stop. I don’t know when, but at some point, it’s going to stop. Eventually, I’m going to win my last race. I don’t know when. But these moments for them, with my wife, and as a family, these moments will last forever. It means the world to me.”
— Aric Almirola, Driver
For Almirola, balancing his enduring career with the role of father holds profound meaning. His reference to the eventual end of his competitive days highlights an awareness of the fleeting nature of sporting success and the importance of making memories for his family.
Securing a Championship Opportunity With Joe Gibbs Racing
The win in Las Vegas was not only personally significant for Almirola but also consequential for Joe Gibbs Racing and its No. 19 team. The triumph secured a place for the team in the Championship 4 within the Xfinity Series owner standings, leaving a clear path to pursue the coveted owners championship at the season finale in Phoenix.
Originally, Almirola was not slated to compete in the Phoenix event. That opportunity was scheduled for Justin Bonsignore, a four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion. However, in a change of plans, Almirola will be taking the wheel for the critical final race of the year, tasked with capturing the owners championship for JGR.
We decided that this week, Almirola said.
“We’re going to go try and win an owners championship.”
— Aric Almirola, Driver
Almirola expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected chance to return to competition after stepping away from full-time Cup Series racing at the end of 2023. The renewed sense of purpose and faith in his opportunity added a layer of personal significance to the team’s championship chase.
A Journey Marked by Faith and Unexpected Opportunity
Almirola credits both faith and supportive figures in the NASCAR world such as Coach Joe Gibbs for his renewed opportunity, framing his ongoing career as something of a blessing rather than expectation.
“The thing I love about what I’m doing right now is that there’s no explanation for why it’s happening other than God has His hands in it. It shouldn’t happen. When I announced I was going to retire, nobody had to give me this opportunity. The fact that, out of the clear blue, Coach (Gibbs) called me…it just meant the world to me.”
— Aric Almirola, Driver
This sense of appreciation carried through as Almirola looked ahead to Phoenix, now bearing not only the hopes of his own family but also the calculations and dreams of the Joe Gibbs Racing team.
Pursuing a Career-Defining Moment in Phoenix
As the season finale at Phoenix approaches, the stakes have never been higher for Almirola and his team. With a chance to seize the owners championship, Almirola will once again find himself in the spotlight, drawing from the depth of his experience and the support of both family and his race team.
“It would be the highlight of my career, honestly. I don’t have to have it, but I want it.”
— Aric Almirola, Driver
This next chapter in the Aric Almirola NASCAR Xfinity Series story is poised to be pivotal for all involved. Victory at Phoenix would mark a crowning achievement for a driver whose journey has intertwined longevity, faith, and the enduring bond of family, while also solidifying Joe Gibbs Racing’s place among NASCAR’s elite organizations.
