Almirola to the #43

[aflac99]

In 2008 ran great at Martinsville and Bristol. Believe he led 100 laps or so at the martinsville race.

 

[Markfan]

Except Kurt depending on how you look at it.

He won a permanent vacation from Penske.

 

[TJBartel]

He won a permanent vacation from Penske.

Yes, we already know that. The dead horse won't get up no matter how much you beat it.

I realized the Busch brothers biggest problem is that they aren't/haven't been sim racers.

 

[K.Chuck]

I realized the Busch brothers biggest problem is that they aren't/haven't been sim racers.

Funny they dont sim, considering their attitudes.

 

[Sgt Slaughter]

Okay, how can anyone say that Ragan deserves the ride over Almirola? Ragan had 5 years to prove himself and all he did was win at Daytona because his teammate didn't try to pass him. Almirola has shown that he can get strong finishes in multiple situations for many teams. Alimora>Ragan.

 

[TJBartel]

Okay, how can anyone say that Ragan deserves the ride over Almirola? Ragan had 5 years to prove himself and all he did was win at Daytona because his teammate didn't try to pass him. Almirola has shown that he can get strong finishes in multiple situations for many teams. Alimora>Ragan.

Yeah, he only won a cup race and a Nationwide race, guess that pales in comparrison to what Almirola has done. Almirola will obviously win many races in the 43 car. Probably maske the chase too.
Let's just do a little comparing of Kes in the 88 car and Almirola in that same 88 car. I'm sorry, but i do not see where Almirola is a clear choice to fill ANY cup seat. He has had ample time to prove himself, same as Ragan. I just do not see him as better. There is no real evidence. I am not claiming Ragan to be good, just that Almirola isn't any better than Ragan, maybe not even as good.

 

[K.Chuck]

Let's just do a little comparing of Kes in the 88 car and Almirola in that same 88 car. .

Keselowski is a very rare anomaly not only with his perfomance but his ability to go form acting in "American Pie" to NASCAR is something special. XD

 

[24mber44]

Yeah, he only won a cup race and a Nationwide race, guess that pales in comparrison to what Almirola has done. Almirola will obviously win many races in the 43 car. Probably maske the chase too.
Let's just do a little comparing of Kes in the 88 car and Almirola in that same 88 car. I'm sorry, but i do not see where Almirola is a clear choice to fill ANY cup seat. He has had ample time to prove himself, same as Ragan. I just do not see him as better. There is no real evidence. I am not claiming Ragan to be good, just that Almirola isn't any better than Ragan, maybe not even as good.

Almarola had almost no time to prove himself- he was twice kicked out of the car WHILE LEADING by Gibbs in NNS and his only Cup experience was driving for DEI while it was dying. I hardly think hes been given as good a chance as Ragan.

 

[TJBartel]

If he has almost no time to prove himself then how is a better choice than the other cup drivers without a ride? His season in the 88 JRM car isn't remotely close to what Kes did in that car.
I don't think Ragan has "panned out", but do not see why RPM would go with Almirola. I would look elsehwere for an unproven young driver if I were them, or go with someone with more cup experience. But, I don't pay their bills or know their sponsor's requirements, just making my observations.

 

[Bwallace83]

Let's just do a little comparing of Kes in the 88 car and Almirola in that same 88 car.

Actually, their stats are pretty close. In 2008, BK's first full time season with JRM, he had 2 wins, 11 top 5's and 20 top 10's. In Almirola's first season, he didnt have any wins but 7 top 5's and 18 top 10's. There's a 1.1 gap between their average finishes.

What does Keselowski have to do with the #43 anyways? It's between Almirola and Ragan.

 

[TJBartel]

Actually, their stats are pretty close. In 2008, BK's first full time season with JRM, he had 2 wins, 11 top 5's and 20 top 10's. In Almirola's first season, he didnt have any wins but 7 top 5's and 18 top 10's. There's a 1.1 gap between their average finishes.

What does Keselowski have to do with the #43 anyways? It's between Almirola and Ragan.

Not in winning, which is what its all about.
I am comparing Almirola in the car Kes drove to victory lane.
I just don't see where Almirola has more qualifications that anyone else.

 

[TJBartel]

If I was Almirola, I would stay in the Jr.M 88 car. It is a quality, competetive ride with a very high profile team. I would give that another year, try and win some races and run at the NWS title. The 43 cup team isn't the caliber that the Jr.M 88 NWS team is.
He could follow in how Kes did it. Unless he is losing the 88 ride and I haven't heard he was.

 

[K.Chuck]

It is a quality, competetive ride with a very high profile team.

High proflie names dont make a good team, they really havnt proven themselves against Roush, Gibbs, and Penske "yet". They really need someone to get in their and put the pices together and they will be stout. Arica going to the Cup 43 is a much better choice than the Nationwide 88.

 

[Darrell Pace]

I feel like Almirola should have stayed put, at least for another year. But who knows, it may be his last shot at being in Cup. So I hope he does well.

 

[TJBartel]

Looks like Almirola will be getting funding from Smythfield foods in the #43 car if the deal is reached. Good for him and RPM.

 

[David24]

Jayski reports that Air Force will e on the car too.

 

[Markfan]

Jayski reports that Air Force will e on the car too.

That's kind of interesting to note, considering that they almost always pair up with the Wood Brothers.

 

[JeffJordan]

That's kind of interesting to note, considering that they almost always pair up with the Wood Brothers.

Air Force has been on RPM's cars since 2009, and they have not been with the Wood Brothers since 2008.

 

[Markfan]

Air Force has been on RPM's cars since 2009, and they have not been with the Wood Brothers since 2008.

Oh . . . . I wasn't aware of that.

 

[B.McKeever]

Air Force sponsored the # 19 for '09 & '10 and the # 43 for '11.

Everyone's dream is to race on Sundays. When a chance to race for a competitive team knocks at your door, you would be stupid NOT to take it. The pay is a LOT better, the exposure is a LOT better, and the competition is a LOT better. Yeah, Almirola can kick some butt in Nationwide, but didn't Steve Wallace place in Top 10 in points? Goes to show you how many people are truly competitive in that series. There are a handful of good teams followed by even more start-up teams. I don't blame Almirola, and RPM is on the rise with RoushFenway help. They won last year and both Ambrose & Allmendinger were competitive throughout the year. Probably won't win in the # 43 this year, but I bet he can build something from it.