NASCAR’s Exiled Driver Sees Glimpses of Hope After Tony Stewart Bids Adieu to Another Veteran

In 2023, the Tony Stewart camp, usually synonymous with Ford’s roaring engines, found itself derailed by the dominance of Chevy and Toyota. A season to forget for the SHR stable, indeed. A somber note in this season’s symphony was the announcement that 2014 champion and seasoned veteran, Kevin Harvick, was set to bid farewell to the racetrack. He’d be trading the steering wheel for a microphone in the Fox Sports booth as an analyst.

As the season progressed, SHR faced mounting challenges, and looking ahead to 2024, they’re gearing up to welcome not one but two new faces into the Ford cockpits.

Double trouble for Tony Stewart as he faces two empty cockpits in the 2024 vision

Amidst a whirlwind of rumors and speculations, a major announcement hit the motorsport world like a sonic boom. Aric Almirola, who spent six seasons under Tony Stewart’s watchful eye, experienced his best season in his debut year with the team back in 2018 when he finished 5th in the standings.

But since then, it’s been a rollercoaster ride ending in a winless streak that’s lasted nearly two years. This weekend, as the NASCAR scene heads to Martinsville for the penultimate race of the season, it is heartbreak time for the No. 10 Ford.

In a heartfelt tweet, Almirola announced his decision to part ways with Stewart-Haas Racing and retire from the sport. The 39-year-old expressed his gratitude to his steadfast sponsor, Smithfield, for their 12-year partnership, and he extended a massive thanks to the Stewart-Haas crew and the No. 10 team.

In his statement, Almirola shared, “After much prayer, consideration, and conversations with my family, I’m ready for the next adventure.” While he didn’t specify what this “next adventure” might entail, he concluded his statement with a cryptic yet meaningful, “As for the future… Proverbs 19:21.”

Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the lord that will stand. You can make many plans, but the lord’s purpose will prevail.”

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Is the empty space left by Aric Almirola the launchpad for a Cup Series comeback?

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Almirola’s retirement leaves a void in the SHR lineup, further fueling speculation about who might fill the empty cockpit. Noah Gragson, who recently faced heartbreak after being let go from the Legacy Motorclub No. 42 car, has emerged as the prime candidate.

These rumors gained traction during a recent “Door Bumper Clear” podcast when NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass hinted at Gragson’s potential candidacy for the No. 10 ride. Pockrass stated, “I mean, I think Noah Gragson is certainly a candidate for it, you know. He sounds like he’s talked to several teams over the last month. […] But certainly, he has become a candidate for that ride.

Given the controversy Gragson found himself in earlier this year due to his social media engagement with memes that didn’t align with NASCAR’s guidelines, it’s clear that the 25-year-old is ready to bounce back and he also has backing from the community.

A recent episode of the NASCAR-backed podcast “Rubbin is Racing” brought this point to the forefront as host, Large shared, “Jeff Gordon had mentioned this week how drivers need to develop more of a personality to get people, you know, to follow them in particular. […] I think like, maybe if Noah winds up back in somewhere that makes sense. Going from Kevin Harvick to maybe a young kid like Noah Gragson… unproven, but I think you’re going to get to see him for a long time, as long as he stays off social media. Maybe he’s a dark horse, you know.”

As the confirmation for the No. 10 seat remains up in the air, NASCAR fans find themselves speculating about who will be the next driver to steer the SHR Ford. With only two races left in the 2023 calendar, the burning question remains – can Aric Almirola grab a final win before hanging up his helmet, and what awaits him in the next chapter of his life?

Read more: Subdued Noah Gragson Racks Best Season Finish a Month After Bitter Jimmie Johnson Humiliation