Explained: The #128 Confusion Surrounding Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Driver

NASCAR has a unique numbering system that involves assigning specific numbers to cars for identification and owner-point tracking. While fans are accustomed to seeing drivers with numbers like #24 or #88. Occasionally, circumstances arise that lead to the use of three-digit numbers like #128.

This was the case when on a recent Twitter post by Bob Pockrass, a prominent NASCAR reporter, the Sonoma Xfinity entry list was shared along with a tweet that caused quite a bit of confusion among fans. The list contained 41 entries for 38 spots, featuring notable drivers such as Aric Almirola, Kyle Larson, and Daniel Suarez. However, what caught the attention of many was the number assigned to Aric Almirola, #128.

NASCAR insider clears up confusion regarding #128 car

Accompanying the entry list, a fan’s tweet questioned the unusual number assignment, asking, “Almirola #128?” to which Pockrass promptly responded, “When a number is assigned to two different owners (or there is a points swap that requires a new ‘owner’), the three-digit number on the entry list is just a way NASCAR uses to designate which owner for owner points. So Almirola will have 28 on the car (not 128).”

The confusion surrounding Aric Almirola’s assigned number can be attributed to the fact that the number was used to designate the owner for owner points, not the actual number that would appear on the car. In this case, Almirola’s car would display the number #28, not #128.

When NASCAR encounters situations where a number is assigned to two different owners or when a points swap requires a new “owner,” they utilize the three-digit numbering system on the entry list. This system allows them to differentiate between the owners for the purpose of owner point tracking. While it may cause temporary confusion for fans, it is a system for NASCAR to manage the intricacies of the sport.

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Amidst the confusion surrounding Almirola’s car number, there was one notable incident that occurred on Monday involving Bubba Wallace and Aric Almirola.

Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace clash at Charlotte

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The Coca-Cola 600 was not without its challenges. Rain showers interrupted the event, forcing drivers and teams to park up in the pit lane due to the delay. Ultimately, the race was postponed to Monday as the showers persisted, and a brief rain delay occurred even during the Monday running.

An altercation between the two drivers was captured on camera by a fan in the grandstands. The clash was rooted in on-track etiquette, with both drivers expressing dissatisfaction with each other’s racing manners. Bubba Wallace later shared his perspective on the incident, describing it as a passionate moment during intense racing. However, there was no indication from Wallace that the rivalry had been resolved. Wallace, taking a dig at Almirola, said, “Just passionate, we were racing hard for the second stage. When you walk around with two faces, that’s what you get.”

Aric Almirola also provided his side of the story, explaining that he felt Wallace had raced him unfairly, which led to their confrontation. He added, “I gave him a lot of room and I felt like he was racing me pretty dirty, and I let him go and then he shot me the bird, so I just went to ask him why he shot me the bird. Then he started mouthing off and cussing at me. I just told him I wasn’t gonna have that.” Although Almirola claimed to have resolved the rivalry, no such revelation was made by Wallace.

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