It is no secret that Aric Almirola's full-time NASCAR career is over after spending the last six seasons piloting the No. 10 Smithfield Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing. His next destination looks to be set after Almirola was spotted at this past weekend's Washington Commanders game against the Miami Dolphins alongside Joe Gibbs Racing Owner and Hall of Fame NFL coach, Joe Gibbs, and JGR drivers, including Christopher Bell.
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Gibbs still cares about the team he coached to three Super Bowl Championships, and that was one way to let slip that Almirola was rejoining the team that gave him his first big shot in NASCAR.
Gibbs was seen speaking with the Commanders team owner Josh Harris, who is also invested in JGR via Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
Gibbs can be heard introducing Almirola to Harris, in a video by JP Finlay for NBC4 in the Washington DC area.
"Aric's driving for us now," Gibbs said.
Gibbs at the game. Maybe he can call the defense pic.twitter.com/JBN2pitFhS
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 3, 2023
Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to officially announce Almirola as one of its drivers for the 2024 Xfinity Series season, nor has it offered a full driver line-up for next season in the series.
It's likely though that Almirola will be behind the wheel of the No. 19 car part-time with several other drivers, including Ryan Truex, driving it as well, similar to the team's use of the No. 19 in 2023, which saw several different drivers win in the car.
While JGR has not confirmed its driver lineup, it is likely that Sheldon Creed and Chandler Smith will be its full-time drivers.
Adding in an experienced Almirola will help the team, and with three-career Cup wins, and several wins in the Xfinity Series, he will be yet another great voice for the team's younger drivers to look to for advice.
