Life has taken a fast turn for racer Aric Almirola.
One year ago, the Tampa, Fla., native was out of a ride and eager for a chance at redemption.
Almirola had reason to sing a redemption song at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday. He’s currently second in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points, plus he has secured lucrative plans for next year.
On Tuesday afternoon, Almirola signed a multiyear agreement to drive for the JR Motorsports Nationwide Series team headed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. On Wednesday night, he finished second behind Kyle Busch in the O’Reilly 200.
And Almirola, who is of Cuban descent, credits a vote of confidence by officials of Bristol-based Graceway Pharmaceuticals for his good fortune. Graceway is the sponsor for Almirola’s No. 51 Billy Ballew Motorsports truck.
“I just feel really blessed,” said Almirola, in a Tuesday phone interview. “Billy took a chance on me in the middle part of last year as a driver, and Graceway came on board as sponsor. It turned into a full-time ride, and we’ve all had success together. One thing has led to another, and I’m excited about all the opportunities we have.”
Entering the 2008 season, Almirola shared the keys to the famed No. 8 Chevrolet with veteran Sprint Cup driver Mark Martin on the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. team. Almirola competed in 12 races for the marquee team.
When the Army sponsorship moved from the DEI team to the Stewart-Haas operation, Almirola’s career was in limbo.
“I’ve been through some tough times in my career, but my family has been real supportive and I’ve learned to never say never,” Almirola said. “You just have to keep working and running good every chance you get.”
Fueled by the financial support of Graceway, Almirola has posted five top-fives and 10 top-10 finishes this season. His victories came at Michigan and Dover. At Michigan, he executed a daring three-wide pass of Todd Bodine and Kyle Busch with seven laps remaining.
“To be able to race those guys head-to-head at the end of the race was cool,” Almirola said. “Basically, I felt like I stole the show.”
With sponsorship, comes speed. Motivation also adds extra fuel.
“It’s no secret that it takes money to go fast,” Almirola said. “The support from Graceway has been awesome. Graceway found value in our race team, and it’s allowed us to go out and show what we can do.”
And all Almirola wants to do is compete. He can begin his career at age eight in the ultra-competitive world of karting. His extensive short track resume includes events at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford,Va., and famed Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina.
While the quick turnaround from Saturday’s landmark race at Darlington presented a challenge for all drivers and crews, Almirola has no complaints.
“I just love to race, and I would race every day if I could,” Almirola said.
While next year is full of promise of Almirola, the immediate goal for Almirola is to win a truck series title. Entering the O’Reilly 200 at BMS, he trails Todd Bodine by 231 points in the standings.
“We’re not out of the championship,” Almirola said. “Todd could experience some mechanical problems and we could win a few races. We just have to keep performing well. Bristol is a big race for us.”
agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544
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