By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
In this week’s edition of Throwback Thursday, Kickin’ The Tires revisits Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Aric Almirola’s first trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premiere series.
The date was July 6, 2014 and it would mark a day in the NASCAR books that Aric Almirola would never forget in his racing career.
NASCAR’s top series was at the famed Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero 400, one of the most popular races on the Cup schedule.
At the time, Almirola was driving the famous No. 43 for Richard Petty Motorsports. As it usually goes, when the series heads to the likes of Daytona or Talladega trouble can occur at any turn, at any point.
Almirola managed to avoid two wrecks that would take out top contenders. Those top name contenders included Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards to name a few.
A Florida native himself, Almirola was scored as the leader when the race was called off after 112 laps due to rain.
The race was originally scheduled to be run on Saturday evening.
However, it would be postponed until Sunday due to the inclement weather.
The event would go on to be interrupted several more times due to the continuing weather on Sunday and was eventually called official by NASCAR.
https://youtu.be/mQFeLVHvC9o
Almirola became the first cup driver other than Richard Petty to win in the legendary No. 43 at Daytona.
The 43 hadn’t won since John Andretti was behind the wheel at Martinsville Speedway in 1999.
It was a victory a long-time in the making.
Fifteen years to be more specific.
At the time of his victory, Almirola was already the 11th different winner that season.
More importantly, the victory earned him one of the 16 available spots for the Chase playoffs later in the season.
“We’re in the Chase! This team deserves to be in the Chase. Man, I just took the 43 car to Victory Lane at Daytona! Almirola said after the race, Almirola said.”
Career Update: Aric Almirola went on to race for RPM until the conclusion on the 2017 season.
In his time spent at RPM Almirola earned 1 win, 11 top-five, and 31 top-10 finishes.
Almirola was sidelined in 2017, following a horrendous crash at Kansas Speedway that left him with a severe back injury.
That injury would result in Almirola competing in just 29 of 36 events that season.
Miraculously, Almirola has gone on to make a full return and has gone on to see success in the MENCS.
Almirola went on to join powerhouse Stewart-Hass Racing for the 2018 season, a team he is still with today.
Since joining SHR and leading up to this weekend’s event at Daytona, Almirola has seen success he’s always hoped for.
The 35-year old veteran has gone on to add 1 win (Talladega) 26 top-ten and 5 top-five finishes to his racing resume.
