With Aric Almirola out of the #43 Ford for some time with his back injury, who will replace him on a regular basis with Richard Petty Motorsports?
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Following a devastating crash at Kansas, Aric Almirola has been out of the car for the past three weeks. Replaced by Regan Smith, Richard Petty Motorsports has used the journeyman driver as a week-to-week substitute for the former Coke Zero 400 winner.
The coming race weekend at Pocono Raceway perhaps provides the team the perfect opportunity to announce a long-term replacement in the #43 Ford. With Regan Smith likely having to decide between racing with the Truck Series at Texas or with the Cup drivers at the tricky triangle. There are plenty of other drivers as well who would be chomping at the bit to serve as a super-substitute for Almirola.
From Xfinity Series regulars to former Cup Series drivers, a wide array of names and faces could grace the King’s old ride before the end of the 2017 season. Who knows, depending on his progress in recovering from injury, Aric Almirola could even return to the cockpit before the end of the season.
Who would you like to see take over the #43 Ford during Aric Almirola’s absence from racing? Here are five candidates that we believe would fit the calling.