Aric Almirola on move to SHR: “I want the pressure”

He’ll replace Danica Patrick.

As first reported by Motorsport.com last week, he will have support from longtime sponsor Smithfield Foods.

The switch from Richard Petty Motorsports to SHR should offer Almirola his first opportunity to compete for wins on a consistent basis with a championship organization. SHR has two Cup titles to their credit with co-owner Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick in 2011 and 2014, respectively.

Almirola and Stewart were joined at the announcement by Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Smithfield John Pauley.

The goal for next season is simple: To win races and compete for championships, starting with the Daytona 500 in February.

“I want the pressure, right? There are two types of athletes in the world,” Almirola said. “There’s the athletes that just want to be a part of the show and there’s athletes who want to make the show.

“I feel like I’m part of the latter category, I want the pressure, I want the ball in my hands when it comes down to the game-winning shot. I don’t want to have an excuse that my equipment is not what where it needs to be. This is that opportunity.”

Here to win

Almirola is no stranger to NASCAR. He has made 242 Cup starts since his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing and later with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2007.

The Cuban-American driver has scored one Cup win at Daytona International Speedway in July 2014. He most recently picked up a win earlier this season at Talladega Superspeedway in the Xfinity Series; one of three NXS victories over his career. 

“I want to contend for wins and championships,” added Almirola. “I also want to contribute to this team to help us all perform and contend for championships.”

Although Smithfield Foods announced several weeks back they were moving to SHR, nothing was concrete on whether Almirola would also move over to the team until today’s announcement.

“To continue my relationship with John and the entire organization for the past six years and we look forward to competing for wins and championships,” said Almirola.

After the 2017 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the 33 year-old driver's seven-year relationship with Richard Petty Motorsports will come to an end.

“I’ve worked my whole career to have an opportunity like this to be a part of a championship organization,” said Almirola. “I know most drivers are looking forward to the end of the season to take a break, but I can’t wait to get to Daytona International Speedway.”