Almirola to the #43

[David24]

It hasn't been officially announced, but it will happen.

Almirola leads the way to drive legendary 43 car in 2012 | www.thatsracin.com

I'm somewhat surprised but not at the same time.

 

[Phantomguy24]

Well he's a much better choice than Ragan or Reutamin. I didn't even realize he was up for consideration though.

*Edit* I wonder if this means Wise will get the 88?

 

[FloridaFan88]

Aric Almirola, shocking choice, but he finally gets a full-time ride in Sprint Cup. Good luck to him this season.

 

[K.Chuck]

As a Tampa native I gota say "Hell yeah, nice".

 

[Henderson]

How long was he in the #8? Thought it was a few races, but can't remember.

Anyway, he has matured a lot since his last time in a Cup car, so I expect him to be a decent contender. Most likely not as good as AJ, but he will get there in time. He went from a mid pack guy in Nationwide to a top five driver nearly every week, so I give him some time.

 

[Frigus5]

I don't like people who jump the gun and assume that because someone is in a better car is gonna win races right away.

But I'm going to turn into someone I hate because honestly, I believe that Almirola has a fantastic opportunity now to win races in the Cup series. And I honestly think that if this is true, he will win in 2012.

 

[David24]

I honestly don't think he'll win in 2012 but he'll sure run better than he did in Q1 of '09.

 

[Ryan597]

I'm surprised.

 

[evan07]

wow I love a good suprise!!!!

 

[Chevellion]

Sooo....

Landon to the 88?

 

[Henderson]

Sooo....

Landon to the 88?

Cassill or Wise. Those are the only two I could think of.

 

[Relly]

WOW...as I spit my egg nog all over my computer in shock

Not sure how I feel about this one...Almriola's last attempt at cup w/DEI was a toxic one so it will be interesting to see what he can do in a more stable situation with a veteran, race winning crew chief in Greg Erwin. I think this is a better choice that Ragan though, I just see Almirola having more upside.

It will be interesting to see what happens to JR's 88 now....

*edit* my guess for 88 would be Landon...isn't Josh Wise going to go for the ROTY w/ Max Q in the 37 (which wouldn't be a great choice IMO)?

 

[4WideRacing]

I was surprised but it does make sense now that I was reminded that Aric raced the #9 when Kasey left early in 2010, it's still a shock to me! Hopefully Landon will get the #88!

 

[K.Chuck]

He was also on standy by last season to be Jimmie Johnson’s backup driver.

Heres a good article about him from 2010 by Marty Smith.
Marty Smith's Door-To-Door: What a difference a year is making for Aric Almirola - ESPN

So really what a difference the last two years have been for him and I am glad this hasnt went unnoticed as hes getting the respect hes earned.

 

[Gwen Cole]

Wait a moment, Jayski is reporting that David Regan is most likely to get the #43.

 

[K.Chuck]

Wait a moment, Jayski is reporting that David Regan is most likely to get the #43.

Thats been on there sense yesterday, the other article was just posted today. Nothing confirmed from ether site yet.

 

[4WideRacing]

Wait a moment, Jayski is reporting that David Regan is most likely to get the #43.

The rumor also said they would announce it today.... not all rumors are true.

 

[DannyM]

The king wanted Almirola, simple as that..Is Almirola a better pic than Reutamin? NO!!

 

[David24]

The king wanted Almirola, simple as that..Is Almirola a better pic than Reutamin? NO!!

I think it is lol

 

[MnM1400]

Almirola to the #43. WHY. Just WHY. Now where is Reutimann gonna go? Wait, maybe he'll get the #88 in Nationwide.