By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
Sunday’s Can-Am 500, and a spot in next week’s Championship 4, was put in the hands of Aric Almirola.
Restarting in the second position with 12 laps to go at ISM Raceway, Almirola had to beat Kyle Busch for the victory. Not only would the pass get Almirola to Victory Lane for only the second time in 2018, but it would also punch his ticket to Homestead for the championship.
However, Almirola’s No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford was unable to stay with Busch’s No. 18 and fell to a fourth-place finish.
“[Busch’s] car was turning better than mine and had a little more rear grip,” Almirola said. “His car was doing everything just a little better than mine.
“If I got clean air, I don’t know if I wouldve been able to hold onto the lead. But I was going to make it exciting.”
Despite the lack of confidence, Almirola was pushing the limit in the final 12 laps.
“I was fighting hard, fighting so hard,” he said. “It’s tough when you’re that close and you feel you have a shot to win. But the car wasn’t there, I didn’t have the grip I needed to roll up beside Kyle.”
Following a career year, the veteran has been kept honest on almost a weekly basis. With near-wins, heartbreaking losses and now a close run for the Championship 4, Almirola is basking in potential for 2019.
“I know there is so much more out there for us,” he said. “Right now there is disappointment that has set in coming so close and not achieving it. We have years ahead of us for continuing to grow as a team.”
With one win, four top-five and 16 top-10 finishes, Almirola is aiming higher in his second season with SHR.
“This is an awesome team, we have an unbelievable group,” he said. “It’s going to be fun at Homestead and it’s going to be one hell of a year for us next year. The best is yet to come.”