Nascar – Aric Almirola will replace Danica Patrick

After the announcement of the departure of Danica Patrick last September at the end of the 2017 season, the Stewart-Haas Racing has confirmed the arrival of Aric Almirola in the No.10 Ford Fusion next year.

Aric Almirola took advantage of his good relationship with Tony Stewart, the co-owner of the team of the same name with Gene Haas, after having evolved with him when he started in 2004 within Joe Gibbs Racing.

“It’s the opportunity that every pilot is looking for, comments Aric Almirola who has six full seasons in Nascar Cup Series at the age of 33. Stewart-Haas Racing is a well-experienced team that has great technical support from Ford. I know what Tony Stewart expects of me and he knows my level of commitment. I am very grateful to him. »

“I have known Aric since 2004 and he has always impressed me on the track, admits Tony Stewart. I raced with him and I saw how mature he was and that he was a very good driver. He will be able to fight for victories with us and help our other drivers to win. He's a great addition to the team. »

The current resident of Richard Petty Motorsports occupies the 29th position in the Championship with two races remaining at the end of the season and has only one victory in the Nascar Cup Series won at Daytona (Florida) in 2014 which was added to his three successes obtained in Xfinity and his two other victories in the Truck Series. Stewart-Haas Racing has not specified the duration of the contract signed with Aric Almirola, only referring to the 2018 season for the moment.