Iโve been following NASCAR for a while, and Aric Almirolaโs recent suspension by Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) caught my attention.
Itโs created quite a buzz among fans and experts.
Letโs break down what happened, the background of the incident, and get to know Almirola a bit better.
Key Points of Aric Almirolaโs Suspension
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspension Reason | Fight with Bubba Wallace during a meeting |
| Incident Date | Week before May 25, 2024 |
| Past Issues | Confrontation at 2023 Coca-Cola 600 |
| Recent JGR Racing History | Part-time Xfinity Series in 2024; Win at Martinsville; Scheduled return in July 2024 |
| NASCAR Cup Series Stats | Wins: 3; Top-5: 11; Top-10: 38; Poles: 5; Starts: 464 |
| NASCAR Xfinity Series Stats | Wins: 3; Top-5: 20; Top-10: 68; Poles: 9 |
| NASCAR Truck Series Stats | Wins: 2; Top-10: 38 |
| Career Earnings | Net worth: $2 million; Yearly salary: $2.5 million |
| Contract Status | Multi-year deal with Stewart-Haas Racing; Possible retirement in 2024 |
| Family Members | Wife: Janice; Children: Alex, Abby; Parents: Ralph Jr., Bobbi; Grandparents: Eneida, Ralph Sr. |
Why Was Aric Almirola Suspended by Joe Gibbs Racing?
Aric Almirola got suspended by Joe Gibbs Racing because of a fight with Bubba Wallace during a meeting.
This happened just before the Xfinity Series race at Charlotte on May 25. Because of this, Ty Gibbs took his place in the race.
The fight happened in a meeting with drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing, who work together under Toyota. Almirola was blamed for starting the fight, which led to his suspension.
โWe take the conduct of our drivers seriously, and while we value Aricโs contributions, such behavior cannot be tolerated,โ said Joe Gibbs, team owner, in an interview with ESPN.
The Altercation Between Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace
The fight between Almirola and Wallace happened the week before the May 25 race.
It was during a meeting with drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing.
This led to Almirola being kicked out of the No. 20 car for the Charlotte race and getting suspended.
Past Issues Between Aric Almirola and Bubba Wallace
Almirola and Wallace have had problems before. One big incident was during a rain delay at the 2023 Coca-Cola 600.
Almirola got mad at Wallace for making a rude gesture during the race, which turned into a shoving match.
Their past fights probably made the recent fight worse.
โWeโve had our differences on the track, but itโs always been about respect. This time, things just went too far,โ Bubba Wallace mentioned in an interview with NASCAR.com.
Aric Almirolaโs Recent Racing History with Joe Gibbs Racing
After retiring from full-time Cup Series racing at the end of 2023, Almirola joined Joe Gibbs Racing to race part-time in the Xfinity Series in 2024.
He raced in five Xfinity Series races and even won at Martinsville. He was supposed to race at Charlotte on May 25, but Ty Gibbs took his place after the suspension.
Almirola is expected to return to racing in July 2024 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Joe Gibbs Racing had sponsorships for Almirola from He Gets Us and Go Bowling for several races.
Also Read: Is Martin Truex Jr. Retiring? Discover His Achievements, Team, and Personal Journey
Aric Almirolaโs Career Stats
Almirolaโs NASCAR career is pretty impressive. Here are some of his stats:
NASCAR Cup Series
- Wins: 3
- Top-five finishes: 11
- Top-ten finishes: 38
- Pole positions: 5
- Total starts: 464
NASCAR Xfinity Series
- Wins: 3
- Top-five finishes: 20
- Top-ten finishes: 68
- Pole positions: 9
NASCAR Truck Series
- Wins: 2
- Top-ten finishes: 38
- Pole positions: 0
โAric has always been a fierce competitor on the track, and his stats speak to his dedication and skill,โ said Stewart-Haas Racing team owner, Tony Stewart, in an interview with Fox Sports.
Aric Almirolaโs Career Earnings
Almirolaโs net worth in 2024 is around $2 million. His yearly salary is about $2.5 million, which comes from racing and sponsorships.
Some say his base salary might be closer to $500,000.
NASCAR earnings can be tricky because they include race winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements.
Aric Almirolaโs Contract Status
Almirolaโs contract status is a bit uncertain. He planned to retire after 2022 but came back for 2023.
He signed a multi-year deal with Stewart-Haas Racing, which should last through 2024.
But, he might retire in 2024, considering his family and whatโs best for them.
Aric Almirolaโs Net Worth in 2024
Almirolaโs net worth is around $2 million in 2024. This includes his yearly salary of about $2.5 million and various sponsorships.
His net worth shows his successful racing career, property in North Carolina, and deals with brands like Smithfield Foods, Mobil 1, and Pit Boss Grills.
Aric Almirolaโs Family Members
Almirolaโs family is really important to him:
- Wife: Janice Almirola
- Children: Alex (son) and Abby (daughter)
- Parents: Ralph Almirola Jr. and Bobbi Almirola
- Grandparents: Eneida and Ralph Almirola Sr.
- Uncle: Roberto Almirola
- Father-in-law: Randy Goss
His family has always supported him, with their rich Cuban heritage and strong ties to racing and military service.
Conclusion
Almirolaโs suspension by Joe Gibbs Racing is a big deal, showing underlying tensions and affecting his career.
Understanding the context, his career history, and his personal life helps us see the whole picture.
As Almirola navigates this tough time, fans and the racing community will be watching closely to see his next moves and potential return to the track.
FAQs
Is Aric Almirola retiring from NASCAR?
Aric Almirola is retiring from full-time NASCAR racing but will race part-time in the Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024.
Who will replace Aric Almirola in 2024?
The replacement for Aric Almirola at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024 has not been announced yet.
Aric Almirola age
Aric Almirola was born on March 14, 1984, making him 40 years old in 2024.
Aric Almirola height and weight
Aric Almirola is 6 feet tall and weighs 160 pounds.
Aric Almirola ethnicity
Aric Almirola is of Cuban descent.
Who is Aric Almirolaโs wife?
Aric Almirola is married to Janice Almirola. They have two children, Alex and Abby.
Also Read:
From Daylight to Night: How Christopher Bell Dominated the 2024 Coca-Cola 600
