Aric Almirola, driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Hometown Original Heroes Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in the NASCAR Cup Series, will race in his third doubleheader weekend of the year Saturday and Sunday at Dover (Del.) International Speedway.
Although the statistics might not suggest it, Almirola and the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang team have come oh so close to hoisting the trophy at Dover in the Cup Series. In the fall 2018 race there, Almirola started 11th and gradually made his way into the lead by the final stage. He led a total of 64 laps, but contact with the wall while racing aggressively in the closing laps ruined his victory bid and left him with a 13th-place finish. It was the first laps led on the concrete mile oval for the now-36-year-old and, although the finish wasn’t what he wanted, he completed one of his best races at a track 1 mile in length or shorter, leaving him with confidence heading into this weekend’s races.
“We had a shot to win that race,” Almirola said. “Every time I go back there, I think about how we have the capabilities to run up front and win, which is the mindset we want every weekend. We have run better this year than we ever have, so there’s no reason we can’t run up front all weekend.”
Almirola has four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Dover and finished inside the top-15 each time. He has two starts there in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and captured his second NASCAR national series win by driving into victory lane there in May 2010. His only other Dover start in the Truck Series resulted in a 12th-place finish.
Almirola has earned 10 top-10 finishes in the last 12 races with five of those being top-fives. The No. 10 Smithfield Ford driver sits eighth in the driver standings for his career-best points position after 23 races.
Almirola has career totals of two wins, two poles, 23 top-five finishes, 75 top-10s and 801 laps led in 338 starts. He has led a total of 264 laps this year at eight different venues.
Almirola and his longtime partner Smithfield Foods have collaborated to honor frontline hometown heroes by showcasing a special paint scheme on the No. 10 Ford this weekend. Smithfield looks to honor those who are putting their own health and safety at risk in a selfless act to protect and nourish others around them. The Smithfield “Hometown Original Heroes” program provides the opportunity for fans to share the stories of their own “Hometown Hero.” Be it a nurse, doctor, food worker, public servant or anyone who is on the frontlines each and every day, Smithfield and Almirola want to hear their stories and give.
To nominate a hometown hero, visit www.SmithfieldHometownHeroes.com and submit a one-minute video nominating the “Hometown Hero.” Ten heroes will be chosen to have their stories told and will have their names riding onboard the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang at a race during the NASCAR playoffs this fall. The heroes will also receive a VIP race day experience and full-year supply of Smithfield “Hometown Original” bacon.
Almirola’s performance in previous doubleheader weekends gives him optimism for another solid weekend. He earned back-to-back top-fives at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June with finishes of third and fifth, and he earned a sixth-place finish in the Sunday race two weekends ago at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
“I really enjoy doubleheader weekends,” Almirola said. “I believe my physical training certainly helps when it’s hot and you lose upwards of seven pounds in the car before racing the next day. I’m ready to take on the Monster Mile twice this weekend. I’m up for the challenge.”
Aric Almirola: Driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:
What do you like about Dover?
“I love going to Dover because it’s one of those places you go 170 mph but you feel like you’re going 300 mph. We found speed over the past few years and we’ve raced there with the new package and built some notes. I’m really looking forward to getting back there knowing we can compete for a win.”
How do you train for doubleheader weekends like Dover?
“A lot of heat training and cycling. I like to get used to the heat and do a lot of endurance training to get myself prepared for these weekends. Hydration is key, though.”
No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang Team Report
Round 24 & 25 of 36 – Dover Doubleheader – Dover
Car No. 10: Smithfield Hometown Original Ford Mustang Team Report
Primary Team:
Driver: Aric Almirola
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Crew Chief: Mike Bugarewicz
Hometown: Lehighton, Pennsylvania
Car Chief: Jerry Cook
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Engine Builder: Roush Yates Racing
Headquarters: Mooresville, North Carolina
Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller
Hometown: Monroe, New York
Spotter: Joel Edmonds
Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina
Over-The-Wall Crew:
Gas Man: James “Ace” Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California
Front Tire Changer: Clay Robinson
Hometown: Simi Valley, Calif.
Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard
Hometown: King, North Carolina
Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey
Hometown: Granite Falls, NC
Jackman: Corbin Martin
Hometown: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Notes of Interest:
● Almirola has four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Dover and finished inside the top-15 each time. He has two starts in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series at Dover, capturing his second NASCAR national series win by driving into victory lane there in May 2010. His only other Dover start in the Truck Series resulted in a 12th-place finish.
● In his 15 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Dover, he has earned three top-10 finishes, two top-fives and has led a total of 64 laps.
● Career: Almirola has career totals of two wins, two poles, 23 top-five finishes, 75 top-10s and 801 laps led in 339 starts.
● Points: Almirola sits eighth in the driver standings with 682 points – 257 behind leader and SHR teammate Kevin Harvick.
● Last win: Almirola’s Oct. 14, 2018 win at Talladega was his most recent in the Cup Series.
● To nominate a hometown hero, visit www.SmithfieldHometownHeroes.com and submit a one-minute video nominating the “Hometown Hero”. Ten heroes will be chosen to have their stories told and will have their names riding onboard the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang at a race during the NASCAR playoffs this fall. The heroes will also receive a VIP race day experience and full-year supply of Smithfield “Hometown Original” bacon.
● ‘Beyond the 10’ – Almirola is back with season two of his YouTube documentary series, where fans can get VIP, behind-the-scenes access by subscribing to his YouTube channel. Episodes showcase never-before-seen footage of Almirola at the racetrack, on iRacing, and “A Day in the Life” during the week, as well as all that goes into a NASCAR Cup Series driver’s season. Click here to subscribe on YouTube and watch the latest episode.
● Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz is in his fifth full-time season at SHR and his first with Almirola. To learn more click here.
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
