Almirola to the #43

[Hyperacti]

YES

This is awesome for Aric and awesome for Petty

But hopefully it puts Landon in the 88

Really though this came out of nowhere

Also though, with Phoenix finding Busch, and Penske finding Allmendinger, and Petty finding Almirola... the "big 3" free agents are still available. They should just Miami it and team up at Front Row LOL

 

[Kevin_McAdams]

This doesn't surprise me. When Kahne went to RBR, Almirola took that 9 car to the front.

 

[HMAC80]

Is everyone forgetting that Almirola drove the #9 car in the Cup finale at Homestead a year ago? He finished fourth, and was quite fast that day. I think he'll do just fine. On another good note, a new quality ride in the Nationwide series opens up for someone. Everyone wins here.

 

[David24]

Everyone wins here.

Except Kurt depending on how you look at it.

 

[HMAC80]

Well I wasn't really considering Kurt, but you're right.

 

[K.Chuck]

The only thing good Kurts done in the past year was to leave the 22 and give these young guns better opportunities. I hope he helps out Finichs team the best he can but I wont be to shocked if he dosnt. I have no sympathy for the guy, how many people would kill to have his job and he takes it for granted and disrespects the sport.

 

[B.McKeever]

Personally, I see the # 88 becoming a revolving door of drivers. I can see Earnhardt, Jr. / Johnson / Newman / Stewart / Burton / Kahne among other Chevrolet drivers taking the seat of the # 88. Have to keep sponsors happy, so they won't throw someone in there that isn't proven.

 

[K.Chuck]

Could be a good ride for Vickers, he runs good in Nationwide and hes seems to still be pretty tight with the Hendrick group.

 

[B.McKeever]

Could be a good ride for Vickers, he runs good in Nationwide and hes seems to still be pretty tight with the Hendrick group.

Didn't think about that. I can see Vickers getting the ride. Sponsors may stick with him too, because he's been proven in that series.

 

[Ryan597]

So....Jr is gonna lose the 88 in Cup? Or is this Nationwide?

 

[B.McKeever]

Almirola drives the # 88 Chevy for JR Motorsports. Dale Jr. drive the # 88 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports. Almirola moving to RPM would vacate the seat of the # 88 JR Motorsports Chevy, not the # 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy. Dale Jr. is probably set at Hendrick until the day he retires because he can bring in sponsors.

 

[flyersfan4888]

Awesome to see Aric head to the #43 ride. He has the ability to put the 43 back in victory lane for the first time since 1999!

and as for the #88 NNS situation, I would love to see B-Vick in the car, but I honestly think Cassil will get the ride.

 

[Markfan]

To be honest, I hope that it's Almirola, and not Ragan, that will be heading to RPM. Aric did well with Ginn/DEI, and really should have a good ride.

 

[bigrolltide1877]

Wow I'm surprised hope to see the 43 back in victory lane next year.

 

[John Gamble]

I hope Wise gets a full-time ride in the #88 in Nationwide next year if Almoria is out of Jr Motorsports.

 

[TJBartel]

Almirola putting the #43 back in victory lane?? Based on what?? I don't dislike the guy, but haven't seen results. Ragan would be better choice in my opnion. And I don't see Jr. putting Vickers in the 88. I think maybe Wise might get it, but who knows, Jr. likes to give young guys a shaot.

 

[4WideRacing]

Almirola putting the #43 back in victory lane?? Based on what?? I don't dislike the guy, but haven't seen results. Ragan would be better choice in my opnion. And I don't see Jr. putting Vickers in the 88. I think maybe Wise might get it, but who knows, Jr. likes to give young guys a shaot.

He was a JGR development driver, he learned more racing along with Mark Martin, he was the stand by driver for the #48, he finished 4th at Homestead in the #9, and he did well in Nationwide last year.

Those sound like great reasons!

 

[Saan Anguish]

I think Almirola has potential. Everyone is counting him out way to quickly i think. Why down the guy before the season even starts? Sure he's not in the best equipment, but he can drive pretty good I think.

As far as victory lane goes, uhh, let's see.... does anyone remember the 2011 season? How many first time winners? All Aric needs to do is keep his head on straight and race.

 

[TJBartel]

Y'all are dreaming big.:-/

 

[Dr. Kstar]

For all the people who are doubting Aric's skill, listen to this.
2007- Ran a handful of races with DEI/Ginn, and a few Nationwide races with JGR. Not much experience, therefor not running too well.
2008- Ran a few more races in DEI's 8 car. Got some more experience, and ran much better.
2009- DEI and Gannasi merged, due to loss of sponsorship. All sponsorship from the 15, 01, and 40 went to the 8 car. The 42 took the 41 sponsorship, and the 1 stayed the same. Once the sponsors pulled out, Aric was jobless.
2010- Ran trucks, won twice and was in contention to win the championship, did well in the 9 at the end of the Cup season.
2011- Ran Nationwide full time for Jr. Finished top 5 in points.
2012 seems like a good time for a fair shot at cup.