Aric Almirola looks to bounce back in second Charlotte race after tough 600

By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer 

Aric Almirola will look to improve upon his 15^th place finish in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway when the series returns on Wednesday.

Almirola found his No. 10 Smithfield Patriotic Ford honoring SPC Seth Blevins starting dead last in the 40-car field for NASCAR’s longest race on the schedule.

During Busch Pole qualifying earlier in the afternoon, loose conditions caused Almirola to spin coming to take the green.

Take a look at @Aric_Almirola's spin coming to the green flag in #BuschPole qualifying. pic.twitter.com/6W4FKDCDDX

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 24, 2020

More problems would plague the No. 10 team even before the drop of the green flag as the No. 11 of Denny Hamlin dropped debris on the race track, which in turn made contact with Almirola’s splitter causing damage.

Even through all the adversity thrown their way the No. 10 Patriotic Ford managed to be scored within’ the top-20 for much of the event following the start of the race.

Almirola found himself finishing the stages in 20^th, 16^th, 13^th and ultimately crossing the finish line following a green-white checkered finish in the 15^th position.

May we never forget that freedom isn't free. Remembering those who gave their lives in service of our great nation. 🇺🇸🙏#MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/GakuqDbwJO

— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) May 25, 2020

“From the start of the day to the end of the day it was just a tough day,” said Almirola. “I was loose on the qualifying lap and spun but was able to keep car from having much damage. We started in the rear and, on the pace laps, debris came out of the No. 11 car and damaged some of the splitter, so we had to make some repairs there later on.”

Almirola will look to get back to where he was prior to the 600. In his four previous starts before Sunday he had earned three top-10’s. 

“The Coke 600 is such a long race and so much can happen. I’m proud we battled back up there but didn’t get the finish we wanted,” said Almirola. “Luckily, we’ll be back here in a few days and see if we can get the Smithfield Ford Mustang up front the second time around like we did in Darlington.”