“Its Complicated, It’s Not Very Easy” – Tony Stewart’s Driver Delivers More Skepticism Despite Stewart-Haas Racing Giving an Ultimatum

So far, 2023 has been nothing but a shaky affair for Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing. While the veteran Kevin “Happy” Harvick‘s retirement announcement was a not in favor of SHR, its #10 driver’s indecisiveness and skepticism add to the team’s agony.

Except for the outgoing 2014 Cup Series champion, none of its other drivers have been able to capitalize. And making things even worse was the organization’s hefty penalty against Chase Briscoe, essentially ruining his hopes of making it into the playoffs.

As the NASCAR nation heads to the 0.75-mile track in Richmond this week, 39-year-old Aric Almirola has yet again shared his unclear future despite the team giving him a “30-day” ultimatum.

From frying pan to fire: Aric Almirola’s new remarks deepen Tony Stewart’s problems even more

For hardcore NASCAR fans, Stewart-Haas Racing has been a team known for its resilience and never-say-die attitude but as we near the climax of 2023, the scenario is getting darker for Tony Stewart and Gene Haas. Following veteran Kevin Harvick’s announcement earlier this year, confirming 2023 as his last season in NASCAR, Tony Stewart has found a worthy replacement in Hendrick Motorsports‘ super-sub, Josh Berry.

But things are still far from perfect as the #10 driver, Aric Almirola has come out with fresh remarks, deepening Stewart’s problems. Though the veteran has brought in Smithfield as the primary sponsor for the #10 car, his indecisiveness is still a major factor for the team’s future. Almirola announced his retirement from the sport last year but was prompted to return by his sponsor.

However, the 39-year-old veteran has struggled to make a mark. While the #10 Ford got the lead in New Hampshire after the restart, his reign at the top was short-lived as the veteran coming into the turn spun out of control into the outer wall, owing to a lousy pit stop from the crew. Speaking to Sirius XM NASCAR, when asked about his 2024 plans, Almirola spoke his mind, sharing his skepticism, said, “I can honestly tell you that I’ve no idea, it is, it’s a moving target, I would say not just a moving target but it’s just not a clear target, there’s so many variables that go in answering that question.” 

The honest family man said, “I dont have a clear direction at this moment and even if I did it could change, the race team is really the deciding factor, they need to know within the next probably 30 days, 60 days on what’s going on so they can make plans, they have to make plans for the future way more in advance than I do,” sharing the team’s.”

While the veteran understands the seriousness of the situation, he said that there are far more things at play here rather than his decision as he elaborated on the complex situation, “I’m very capable of pivoting and changing and switching but the race team, they’re there’s a lot of moving parts, the race team certainly needs to have an idea on what’s going on, the sooner the better, I think there’s an active discussion, there’s a lot of moving parts, you know a lot of variables and its complicated, it’s not very easy,” said the driver. 

READ MORE: “You Messed Up”: Dale Jr & NASCAR World Call Out Carnage Culprit After Refusing to Obey Angry Tony Stewart’s Ultimatum

“We talked him into staying” – Tony Stewart on Almirola’s 2023 return

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Fatherhood is certainly a life-changing experience, and the veteran took some time off from the track, announcing his retirement last year. The family man, Almirola, reasoned that he needed more time to spend with his wife and children as he delivered his retirement update. Long story short, the 39-year-old returned in 2023, most probably for his last season, owing to his sponsor’s suggestion.

While his blitz pace and ability to gather speed made him a favorite in short tracks, the team’s inconsistency and the driver’s bad luck made things worse for the veteran.

Speaking about his return earlier this year, Stewart spoke highly of the #10,  and expressed, “Aric’s like a little brother to me. We talked him into staying, I think when things are going well, he really has fun driving the racecar. Hopefully, we can get the car balanced to where he’s comfortable and I know when it is. Because when he is comfortable in the car and when it’s doing what he’s wanting it to do, the results show.”

“He gets up front, he leads laps, he’s in the hunt. He can definitely get the job done,” said Stewart.

WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr’s insider feels disappointed about $110 billion sponsor leaving Tony Stewart for Ross Chastain 

While the proud Ford camp rolled out a short video celebrating his return, 2023 has been a disappointment for the #10 driver. The driver has yet to finish in the top 5, let alone get a win. But this week’s race at Richmond gives a sign of hope considering his streak (out of 22 starts, he has 8 top 10 and 2 top 5 finishes) at the 0.75-mile oval.

Will this be a huge turnaround for the team? Or will this be his final season?