Aric Almirola

Aric Almirola spent 12 full-time Cup Series seasons proving that steady professionalism and quiet determination have a place in a sport that often rewards flash over substance. The Tampa, Florida native made 413 Cup starts, winning three races and earning 22 top fives while driving for some of the most storied organizations in the sport, including Richard Petty Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing. His most memorable victory came at Talladega in 2014, driving the iconic No. 43 for Richard Petty Motorsports -- a win that carried extra weight because of the number on the door and the King himself celebrating in victory lane. That moment connected Almirola to a lineage that stretches back to the very foundations of stock car racing. At Stewart-Haas Racing, Almirola found his most consistent form, making the playoffs multiple times and establishing himself as a reliable top-15 competitor week after week. His 2018 playoff run, where he won at Talladega and advanced deep into the postseason, was the peak of a career built on maximizing every opportunity. Almirola's retirement after the 2022 season was a graceful exit from a career that may not have produced championship-level numbers but earned the genuine respect of the entire garage. In a sport that chews through drivers who lack raw speed, Almirola's longevity and consistency spoke to a professionalism that deserves recognition.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference