NASCAR: 5 driver moves we want to see for 2022
By Asher Fair
Moves we want to see: No. 4 – Aric Almirola re-signs with Stewart-Haas Racing
Stewart-Haas Racing have altered their driver lineup after each of the last five NASCAR Cup Series seasons, and Aric Almirola is the man who appears to be in position to make it six if they are indeed to make it six after the 2021 season.
After the 2016 season, it was Tony Stewart retiring and making way for Clint Bowyer behind the wheel of the #14 Chevrolet-turned-Ford. After the 2017 season, Danica Patrick retired, leading Almirola to land behind the wheel of the #10 Ford.
Kurt Busch left for Chip Ganassi Racing after the 2018 season, and Daniel Suarez replaced him behind the wheel of the #41 Ford. Cole Custer then replaced Suarez after the 2019 season before Chase Briscoe replaced Bowyer after the 2021 season.
With Kevin Harvick under contract through 2023 and neither Custer nor Briscoe going anywhere after 2021, it is Almirola who technically finds himself on the hot seat and without a deal to compete next year.
Given how much he has struggled this season, it would be easy for Stewart-Haas Racing to justify a change here. However, his win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this past Sunday may have secured his future with the team.
Stewart-Haas Racing have struggled as a whole in 2021, and much of Almirola’s poor season — prior to his first win in nearly three years — has not been of his own doing. So moving on from him and the sponsorship he brings from Smithfield is not something that they should consider for 2022.
He has been a solid, consistent top 10/top 15 driver since joining the team in 2018, and there is no reason to believe that he has suddenly dropped off this year, even though he only sits in 24th place in the point standings. He illustrated that by securing his first career non-superspeedway win.
Now that the team have moved in a younger direction with the addition of Custer and Briscoe the last two years, Almirola’s veteran presence alongside Harvick could be paramount as they try to truly find their stride and move forward into 2022.