Aric Almirola, born March 14, 1984, in Tampa, Florida, is a seasoned American professional stock car racing driver renowned for his perseverance, superspeedway skills, and success across NASCAR’s national series. As of 2025, he competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 19 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), bringing veteran leadership and winning experience to the team.
Early Life and Background
Raised in Tampa with Cuban heritage, Almirola’s passion for motorsports began at 14 when he started kart racing. He quickly advanced to dirt sprint cars and regional stock car divisions, building the foundation for a professional NASCAR career. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in mechanical engineering, combining technical expertise with his natural racing instincts.
Career
Almirola’s NASCAR journey began in the mid-2000s, where he worked his way through the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series. He earned his first national series victory in the Truck Series at Milwaukee in 2007 and went on to secure two Truck wins in 2010, finishing runner-up in the series championship.
In 2012, Almirola earned a full-time Cup Series ride with Richard Petty Motorsports, showcasing consistency and skill on superspeedways. His first Cup victory came at the 2014 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, followed by wins at Talladega in 2018 and New Hampshire in 2020 while driving for Stewart-Haas Racing. Across more than 460 national series starts, he has collected three Cup Series wins, multiple Truck Series victories, and over 100 combined top-10 finishes.
After stepping away from full-time Cup competition following the 2023 season, Almirola transitioned to a part-time Xfinity Series role with JGR. In 2024, he won three races—two at Martinsville and one at Kansas—adding numerous top-five finishes to his resume. Despite a mid-season suspension after an altercation with teammate Bubba Wallace, he returned to finish the year strong. In 2025, he continues a nine-race schedule in the No. 19 Toyota Supra, aiming for more victories while supporting JGR’s owner championship bid.
Off-Track Ventures
Almirola is a strong advocate for diversity and Hispanic representation in motorsports. He participates in charitable initiatives and youth mentorship programs, helping develop future racing talent. Known for his grounded personality, Almirola keeps his life away from the track private, focusing on family and racing commitments.
Net Worth
Aric Almirola’s estimated net worth is approximately $8 million, earned through race winnings, endorsements, and long-term partnerships during his NASCAR career.
Family Life
Almirola is married to Janice Almirola, and they have two children, Alex and Abby. His parents, Ralph and Emilda Almirola, are of Cuban descent, a heritage he proudly carries in his NASCAR journey.
Recent Controversies
In 2024, Almirola was briefly suspended by Joe Gibbs Racing following a physical altercation with teammate Bubba Wallace during a team meeting. Ty Gibbs filled in during his absence. Aside from this incident, Almirola has maintained a respected and professional reputation throughout his career.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
In 2024, Almirola captured three Xfinity Series wins with JGR, proving his competitiveness despite a limited schedule.
As of 1 August 2025, he remains part-time in the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 19 Toyota Supra with backing from Young Life, leveraging his veteran experience to help JGR compete for the owner’s title while contending for race wins.
