Aric Almirola not returning to Stewart-Haas Racing next season

After much deliberation, Aric Almirola has announced he won’t be returning to the No. 10 for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024.

Almost six years to the day he was announced as the driver of the No. 10 Ford for Stewart-Haas, Almirola is moving on with his racing career. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday to reveal the news.

“After much prayer and conversations with my family, I’m ready for the next adventure,” Almirola started. “To everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing: A genuine and heartfelt THANK YOU for the last six years. Winning races and competing with all of you have been a thrill. Our opportunity together was made possible by all of our wonderful partners to which I owe much gratitude because as a race-car driver, I can’t compete without corporate sponsorship. It’s been an honor to represent the many companies and all of their employees.

“To Smithfield: I am humbled for the opportunity to represent your company and brands. Twelve years ago you brought me into the Smithfield family and took a chance on me. I am forever indebted to the people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet and represent. My career and life wouldn’t be what it is today without your support.

“God turned my childhood dream of being a professional race-car driver into reality, and I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful for the opportunities, the wins, the celebrations, the struggles, the partnerships and, most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships we’ve made. My family and I have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination because of all that the NASCAR community has to offer. As for the future … Proverbs 19:21.”

Originally, Almirola announced his retirement back at the onset of the 2022 season, and planned to already be out of the car. However, he changed his mind last season, but it looks like this will be it for him at Stewart-Haas Racing.

As for who’s going to replace Almirola in the No. 10? At the moment, FOX’s Bob Pockrass is reporting the embattled Noah Gragson is the favorite for the ride, “Gragson is still the favorite to land the SHR No. 10 ride,” tweeted Pockrass.

That gives Stewart-Haas Racing a relatively unproven driver lineup for 2024, with Chase Briscoe leading a team filled with Ryan Preece, Josh Berry and the aforementioned Gragson. It’s been a disappointing season for the team, but perhaps some new faces will shake things up.

Regardless, congratulations are in order for Aric Almirola on a NASCAR career that spanned almost two decades. What a ride it’s been for the veteran.