Tony Stewart releases statement after Aric Almirola announces departure from Stewart-Haas Racing

It’s official and Aric Almirola is hanging up his helmet at SHR. Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing has some thoughts for his driver. Stewart and Almirola have been working together for years. Since 2018, Almirola has been under the SHR NASCAR Cup Series banner.

Now, the No. 10 Ford Mustang is going to be empty. At least until Stewart-Haas Racing finds a replacement. Tony Stewart and the team had to replace Kevin Harvick for 2024 and now you can add Aric Almirola to that list.

Stewart had some thoughts on the last six years of that relationship.

“I’m proud of everything Aric has accomplished and am especially proud that his last six years have been with Stewart-Haas Racing,” Stewart said, via Kelly Crandall of Racer Mag. He and Smithfield formed an incredible partnership that resonated on and off the racetrack, and a lot of that is a testament to Aric. He always puts forth maximum effort and he makes everyone around him better. Simply put, he’s a great person – an awesome dad to Alex and Abby and an exceptional husband to Janice. I know all of them really well and am genuinely happy for their next steps together as a family.”

Tony Stewart had more thoughts to share on Smithfield and the future of Stewart-Haas Racing. Almirola is keeping the door open for potentially an Xfinity Series ride, so he might not be done racing completely. However, it does appear he is retiring from full-time racing in the Cup Series.

Tony Stewart says farewell to Smithfield, looks forward to SHR future

This isn’t just the loss of a veteran driver. Aric Almirola has been in the sport for years. Not just for his talent on the track but the fact he could pull down substantial sponsorship. Smithfield was a NASCAR staple and now, they are going to back out of the sport with Almirola.

“Smithfield has been an outstanding partner and a NASCAR staple for more than a decade,” Stewart went on in his statement. “Their platform with Aric was a model for the sport and it was an honor to represent them.

“Stewart-Haas Racing will remain a four-car team in the NASCAR Cup Series and we will announce a new driver for the No. 10 team, along with new partners, in the near future.”

Nothing is set in stone. Sponsorship will likely play a big deal. However, right now, the name that is popping up for the No. 10 is Noah Gragson. Despite his controversy and lackluster performances in 2023, it appears Smoke and crew have their eyes on the young driver.

If that doesn’t happen, it will be interesting to see who Tony Stewart puts in that seat. It’s a little late in the season with many 2024 decisions already made up. Who do you want to see in Almirola’s seat for next season?