No-Excuse Almirola Sets High Expectations
LOUDON, N.H. (Sept. 10, 2008) -- When you have limited experience
and competing with veterans, it's only natural to set a conservative
goal. Unless you're Aric Almirola, a co-driver of the No. 8 U.S. Army
Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The 24-year-old Almirola has absolutely no intention of using a
part-time driving schedule as an excuse for Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New
Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Though he will start in only his ninth Cup race of the season and 15th of
his career, Almirola has the confidence of a seasoned veteran
and feels his No. 8 U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. team has the potential
of posting a top-10 finish.
"To say that we can finish in the top 10 at New Hampshire is simply
a realistic expectation," said Almirola, who shares the No. 8 Chevy
Impala SS ride with Mark Martin. "I know this team and know how well we
have done in the past. That's why I feel upbeat and confident about
driving the soldiers' car this weekend."
Almirola and the No. 8 team have indeed shared success this season --
finishing eighth and 13th at the two races in Bristol, Tenn.
The 13th-place finish in August could have easily been a top 10, but
a pit-road miscue late in the race cost Almirola at least four positions.
In New Hampshire's June race, Almirola started 39th and moved to the top
15 before being spun out and hitting the wall. He managed to finish the
rain-shortened event 23rd.
"With my limited driving time, it feels nice to go back to the same
track," said Almirola, who will be making his second Cup start at the New
England facility. "I thought we were coming on strong at the last race in
New Hampshire before I got hit from behind. I really like this track - it
reminds me of the tracks I grew up on."
"It's hard not to get pumped about this weekend," added Almirola. "I am
driving instead of watching and feel we have the potential to knock down
a pretty good finish."
Following New Hampshire, Almirola is scheduled to drive in three more Cup
races -- Talladega (Oct. 5), Martinsville (Oct. 19) and Phoenix (Nov. 9).
-credit: dei
