NASCAR: 3 possible replacements for Aric Almirola

Aric Almirola is set to retire after the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. Who will replace him at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2023?

Aric Almirola announced that the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season will be his 15th and final season competing at the sport’s top level, as he will be retiring when it comes to an end in early November.

Almirola is set to enter his fifth year as the driver of the #10 Ford at Stewart-Haas Racing after replacing Danica Patrick ahead of the 2018 season.

Stewart-Haas Racing have seen a single driver lineup change in each of the last five seasons, though this year, their lineup is the same as it was last year, with Kevin Harvick behind the wheel of the #4 Ford, Chase Briscoe behind the wheel of the #14 Ford and Cole Custer behind the wheel of the #41 Ford as well.

But there will be change for 2023, and that starts with Almirola’s seat; who will be in the #10 Ford next year?

Aric Almirola replacements: No. 1 – Ryan Preece

Ryan Preece looks like the early favorite to move to Stewart-Haas Racing as Almirola’s replacement for the 2023 season, having just signed a unique deal as the official Stewart-Haas Racing reserve driver for the 2022 season. He had spent the last three seasons competing for JTG Daugherty Racing before they cut back from two cars to one.

The 31-year-old Berlin, Connecticut native is set to do simulator work for the team throughout the year, and if needed, he is the man who would get the call to fill in if any of their drivers need to miss a race (or races). He is also set to compete in two Cup Series races, three Xfinity Series races and seven Truck Series races.

Preece is also managed by KHI (Kevin Harvick INC) Management, so he has that connection going for him. That leads to another interesting point: even if he doesn’t get the nod for 2023, perhaps he will replace Harvick himself ahead of the 2024 season. Harvick’s contract expires at the end of 2023, and all signs point to him not renewing that deal.