What is Aric Almirola's nationality and ethnicity? All you need to know
Aric Almirola is a veteran NASCAR driver who competes part-time in the Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, piloting the #20 Toyota. The 40-year-old has been a part of the national stock car racing series for almost 17 years and has winded up in more than 650 races in all three series combined.
Born on March 14, 1984, the three-time Cup Series race winner, Almirola was raised in Tampa, Florida, and is a University of Central Florida graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Although an American national, the 2014 Coke Zero Sugar 400 winner is of Cuban descent. During the Cuban Freedom Flights in the 1960s, his father reportedly migrated from Cuba to the state of Florida.
Inspired by his grandfather, Sam Rodriguez, a dirt sprint car racer, Almirola started his racing career at the age of 14 in go-karts and the World Karting Association. Later on, he transitioned to open-wheel modified and later to the NASCAR Southern division. Moreover, the Cuban American was one of the first drivers to be a part of NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program.
While also participating in the ARCA Menards Series, Almirola made his NASCAR debut in the Trucks and became a part of Joe Gibbs Racing's development program. He made his Cup Series debut in 2007 for JGR, competing full-time for Richard Petty Motorsports in 2012 and secured his first win at the 2014 Daytona International Speedway race. After driving at RPM for six years, Almirola joined Stewart-Haas Racing's shed, driving the #10 Ford before temporarily hanging his helmet last season.
"I am incredibly blessed," Aric Almirola on bagging a part-time ride with the 2024 JGR Xfinity lineup
Before joining the JGR Xfinity roster, Almirola reflected on his homecoming and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to conclude his NASCAR career with Joe Gibbs.
"I am so grateful and humbled that Coach Gibbs called and asked my to come back home to JGR and finish my career here," said Almirola via Motorsport.com.
Moreover, he revealed why he left JGR during his rookie days and elaborated on his return on a part-time stint. Almirola said:
"I left JGR because all I wanted was a path to Cup and I didn't see it happening with their driver lineup at the time. I wanted so desperately to race full-time and progress as a racer. Now all I want is to race part-time in order to spend more time with family, have fun behind the wheel, and help others achieve their goals."
"I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity with so many familiar faces from 20 years ago and with the new relationships that will be built," he added.
In only 13 appearances this season, Almirola has found the victory lane thrice and finished inside the top 10 seven times. His most recent win was the final Round of 8 race at Martinsville Speedway. Coach Gibbs' seasoned driver has shown his prowess and experience in the Xfinity Series and is in contention for the owners' championship.
Here's a look at #20 Almirola taking the checkered flag on Saturday: