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Former MLB manager Leo Durocher had a famous saying: “Nice guys finish last.” On Saturday night, Aric Almirola dispelled that truth, at least for a little bit.
The 40 year-old Florida native retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of last season. Almirola’s final Cup Series season was mostly a disappointment. There was, however, one on-track bright spot for the veteran driver – an Xfinity Series win at Sonoma in June, which seemed to reinvigorate his passion for NASCAR’s second-tier series. Fast forward to a chilly Virginia evening in April of 2024 and Almirola is already reaping the rewards of his decision to sign with Joe Gibbs Racing on a part-time Xfinity Series deal.
After leading 95 laps in last weekend’s race at Richmond, Almirola was ultimately bested by his 21 year-old JGR teammate in Chandler Smith. While Smith was arguably the second most impressive driver on Saturday night, finishing third after starting 37th, it was the crafty Almirola who bested the young guns on another Virginia short track, leading 148 of the race’s 251 laps. Almirola also collected the $100,000 Dash 4 Cash prize, a program started in 2009 which rewards the extra payday to the highest finishing of four eligible drivers. With Almirola’s second-place run at Richmond, he was automatically qualified for the program and Saturday’s win ensures that he’ll have a few extra dollars in the retirement fund.
One of the main reasons Almirola retired was to spend more time with his family, a tough task given the NASCAR Cup Series’ grueling 38 week schedule. On Saturday night, Almirola’s son and daughter were able to greet their dad on the frontstretch at Martinsville, with daughter Abby handing her father the checkered flag. With Almirola’s condensed racing schedule, his family is now able to travel to most race weekends, making memories like Saturday’s frontstretch celebration possible when they otherwise may not have been before.
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