Despite Five Years of Loyalty, Tony Stewart Could Deliver Heartbreak to His Driver With Josh Berry Joining the Team

The 2023 Cup Series is slowly treading toward the playoffs. With just a handful of races left in the regular season to decide the fate of the drivers, things couldn’t have been more heated up. However, it’s not just this season that some teams are preparing for, but also the next. Stewart-Haas Racing is having to make significant reshuffles within the team. Tony Stewart-owned team evidently has not had a remarkable season so far, with Kevin Harvick yet to win a race and an L3 penalty on Chase Briscoe’s #14 team.

In the midst of such chaotic circumstances, the team announced its new member Josh Berry. He is set to replace Kevin Harvick, who is set to retire after this season. But will Josh Berry join Chase Briscoe and Aric Almirola, or will another face bid his farewell?

Is Tony Stewart ready to bid farewell to another driver after Kevin Harvick?

The speculation arises from one simple fact: Aric Almirola announced his retirement last year. However, later on, he signed an extension with the team owing to the sponsorship deals with Smithfield. 

There have been conjectures that Almirola might end his deal sooner than expected. However, it appears that Almirola might have intentions to stay back and also be a mentor to rookie Berry. This was apparent in his recent interview with FOX journalist, Bob Pockrass. The driver revealed, “The plan would say yes, so we will wait and see.”

The veteran later added, “Honestly I don’t know. Seriously, at this time last year, I feel like I had a pretty good idea of where things are headed honestly right now. I’m just taking it day by day. I know I had an awesome off-week. The season is such a grind, just plugging away and doing business as usual. Really enjoyed our week off and looking to turn our season around.” 

The last time the driver parked his car in the victory lane was back in 2021 and one of the worst season that he could ask for. While still acclimatizing to the Next Gen cars, the driver failed to capitalize on the opportunities that were presented to him. The veteran also added, “A couple of years ago this was the place that we did it. We came to Nashville, qualified on the pole […] We can change it here starting in the second half of the season.”

After five years of driving for the Tony Stewart-owned team, if Aric Almirola chooses to follow his retiring teammate or if the team decides to revoke his contract, the situation will change. Moreover, there have been speculations that former F1 champion Jenson Button might replace Almirola in the SHR stable.

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Ardent followers demand the replacement of Aric Almirola in Stewart-Haas Racing

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With all the debates making round inside the NASCAR grid, several NASCAR fans shared their views, contemplating the #14 team’s future. 

Many speculated, “Buy out Zane’s contract with FRM and put him in the 10.”

“Aric has never been much of a driver so he might as well leave and give a driver that might be able to drive the chance to prove themselves.”

“This man is the equivalent of Elliott Sadler. He needs to retire, he’s washed up.”

Others also pointed out the role of sponsorships: “Sponsorship. Smithfield seem to really be loyal to Almirola.”

“It’s Almirola’s world and we’re just living in it.”

There might be no concrete answers to all the conjectures. But things are surely on the verge of being rejigged within the team.

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