Aric Almirola Announces Retirement from Full-Time NASCAR Racing, Noah Gragson Rumored as Successor

Almirola's decision to retire comes after 16 seasons of NASCAR's top tier series and three win, seeking a better work-life balance; while Stewart-Haas Racing now awaits confirmation on Noah Gragson as replacement.

• Aric Almirola, NASCAR Cup Series driver for Stewart-Haas Racing, is retiring from full-time racing after 16 seasons and three wins. The decision comes as Almirola seeks a better work-life balance, wanting to race on a more limited basis moving forward.
• The retirement announcement follows the end of Almirola's sponsorship with Smithfield Foods, which has backed him since 2012 and decided to end its commitment to NASCAR racing as of end of the season.
• Despite retiring from full-time racing, Almirola stated that he is open to the possibility of participating in occasional races in the future, including late model races, truck races, Xfinity races, or one-off Cup races.
• Noah Gragson, who recently parted ways with Legacy Motor Club and was reinstated by NASCAR after a suspension, is rumored to be the top candidate to replace Almirola in the No. 10 Ford at Stewart-Haas Racing in the 2024 season.
• Stewart-Haas Racing needs to secure a new driver for Almirola's spot and also find a new sponsor for the No. 10 Ford following Almirola's retirement announcement and Smithfield Foods' decision to end its NASCAR partnership.

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