Stewart-Haas Racing will have a new driver in the No. 10 for 2024
Aric Almirola has spent the last 16 years at the top of the NASCAR ladder. Since 2018, he’s driven the No. 10 car for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Last year, Almirola was set to retire from the NASCAR Cup Series. However, his deal with SHR was instead extended one more year.
Now, as the 2023 season comes to a close, the 39-year-old has elected to explore other options. He will not be returning to the No. 10 car in 2024, per a statement made today.
Almirola has collected three Cup Series wins in 458 starts, his most recent came in 2021.
Noah Gragson is currently linked to be the replacement driver, per the rumor mill. However, the team has not announced any replacement.
Gragson was suspended by NASCAR earlier this season after liking a meme on Instagram. The driver then requested to be released from his contract at Legacy Motor Club.
NASCAR has since lifted the ban. However, Gragson hasn’t announced any plans to return.
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Aric Almirola statement
“After much prayer, consideration and conversations with my family, I’m ready for the next adventure,” Aric Almirola opened via social media on Saturday.
“To everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing: A genuine and heartfelt THANK YOU for the last six years. Winning races and competing with all of you has been a thrill.”
“Our opportunity together was made possible by all of our wonderful partners to which I owe much gratitude because as a racecar driver, I can’t compete without corporate sponsorship. It’s been an honor to represent the many companies and all of their employees.”
“To Smithfield: I am humbled for the opportunity to represent your company and brands. Twelve years ago you brought me into the Smithfield family and took a chance on me.”
“I am forever indebted to the people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet and represent. My career and life wouldn’t be what it is today without your support.”
“God turned my childhood dream of being a professional racecar driver into reality and I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful for the opportunities, the wins, the celebrations, the struggles, the partnerships and, most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships we’ve made.”
“My family and I have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination because of all that the NASCAR community has to offer.”
Almirola concluded, “As for the future… Proverbs 19:21.”
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Smithfield Foods will leave NASCAR in 2024
Shortly after Almirola’s statement, Smithfield posted the following:
“Smithfield Foods congratulates Aric Almirola on his excellent run with Stewart-Haas Racing,” the company statement opened.
“With Aric’s decision to explore new opportunities, the time has come for Smithfield to end our NASCAR partnership.”
“We’ve been with Aric since the beginning. We were his first sponsor in 2012, his first full year in the NASCAR Cup Series, and we’ve enjoyed great success with him over the years.”
“Aric has been an incredible ambassador for Smithfield over the past 12 seasons, and we have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Stewart-Haas Racing in our six seasons together.”
The statement concluded, “We place on finishing 2023 strong and we wish Aric and SHR the very best.”
With the departure of Smithfield Foods, Stewart-Haas Racing is now losing two major sponsors for the 2024 season. Kevin Harvick is retiring at the end of this season and Busch has already signed with Trackhouse Racing for 2024.
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