Tony Stewart’s Biggest NASCAR Concern Gets Heavily Scrutinized by Fans for Richmond Blunder After Triggering Future Uncertainty

Despite his blitzkrieg, spearing in from P24 to P8 in the blink of an eye, Tony Stewart’s driver yet again fell victim to bad luck or rather, succumbed to his own carelessness as per fans. The hot and slick 0.75-mile short track looked promising at a time for Stewart-Haas Racing Fords saw a brief top-10 run.

While everything looked to be in place, promising Ford fans a stellar run from the SHR camp, veteran Aric Almirola yet again fell short. The 39-year-old carelessly led himself into the line of fire with NASCAR handing him a pit lane penalty, essentially taking him back to square one.

Pit penalty turns the day grim for Tony Stewart as his biggest concern walks into fire carelessly

The conditions were optimal, and the scene was set but things did not take off for Stewart-Haas Racing and struggling veteran Aric Almirola. While the #10 Smithfield Ford set a blistering pace to get into the top 10, getting to 8th from 24th position and promising his fans a shot at redemption, lap 122 in Stage 2 ended miserably for Almirola as he was struck with a pit lane penalty.

Much like his SHR teammate, Ryan Preece who did exceptionally well considering his back-to-back slumps, Almirola decided to pit following his #41 teammate who pitted first for a quick 4 tire change. While the veteran looked to maintain his position and make the most out of his opportunity to get fresh slicks, he carelessly drove over the orange box with his right tires sticking out, prompting the organization to levy a penalty, essentially taking him back to square one.

And in a split second, the #10 SHR Ford lost steam prolonging his winless streak with fans losing their cool over the veteran’s flimsy fault.

READ MORE: NASCAR Star Shuts Down Rumors of Driving for Tony Stewart

Disappointed at the driver’s slip, fans bashed him, calling him a “choker,” mentioning his silly mistake despite being in the game for close to 16 years.

Fans bash veteran Almirola for his flimsy mistake

Trending

Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic

“To the Death”: Kyle Busch Offers Martin Truex Jr. a Rare Alliance to Survive ‘Hunger Games of NASCAR’

Kurt Busch Finally Breaking Radio Silence After Criminal Charges Forced 3-Month-Long Hiatus Has NASCAR Fans Breathing Easy

NASCAR Rumor: Handed $25,000 Fine, Xfinity Star Could Replace Chevy’s Rejected Prodigy

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Sister Recalls the Sacrifice Forced on Them by Tony Stewarts’ Stranded Mentee Before Their Big Moment

While he has been in the sport for more than 15 years, a title still eludes the 39-year-old father of two. Though the driver is revered for his ability to muster speed and put on blistering pace to close the gap in quick succession, his unclear future and indecisiveness have made things all the more dire for his team his boss, Tony Stewart.

Almirola despite announcing his retirement from the sport last year, citing personal reasons was prompted to return to the track in 2023 following his primary sponsor, Smithfield, and SHR’s intervention. However, 2023 has been a year of adversity for the veteran, struggling to make his mark let alone score a win.

While it was his #10 pit crew’s negligence that ruined his dream at New Hampshire, this time around, the driver walked himself into the fire, breaking pit rules and gong overboard, disappointing his fans.

Popular racing writer and NASCAR enthusiast tweeted out the news to the community,

“All four tires have to be below the orange box and Aric Almirola drove over it with his right side tires”

While another fans vented out his frustration ridiculing the veteran, calling him a choker.

“Of course Aric Almirola chokes some dudes just can’t handle success”

Popular Youtuber and avid NASCAR fan also chimed in mentioning the driver’s mistake that got him back to the middle

“That is BRUTAL for Aric Almirola. Massive mistake.”

Whereas another user took a sarcastic jab at the 39-year-old, mentioning his “Rookie mistake.” 

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

However, despite his carelessness getting the best of his performance, the Fords were on a roll with 6 cars in the top 10 including Almirola’s #10 Smithfield Ford that finished 8th.