ARIC AMIROLA Preseason Thunder Interview

ARIC ALMIROLA enjoys coming to Daytona since he grew up Tampa. Like everyone else, Aric says Daytona holds a special place in his heart and many a Daytona 500s and Firecracker 400.

He's excited about coming back and running the 8 car and he has hopes to "run full time in the 8 car and stuff like that. We're working through all that stuff. It's definitely interesting to say the least." Basically, he's a bit confused on the 8 car and his status for the year, as it's made him a "basket case of emotions" as things are sorted out.

As far as he knows, EGR is looking to run 4 cars in '09, but the finances will be the final determination on that issue.

Aric works out throughout the year, so getting back into driving form isn't a big change of conditioning for him. (Yes, it takes some serious muscle to turn left all day folks. I can personally attest to that!!!!)

Now that the test ban is in place, he is looking at chatting up some buddies and possibly looking at a few nights maybe at New Smyrna during Speedweeks. He says he's always up for getting in a late model, modified, sprint car, whatever it is. If it's got four wheels and engine, count me in.

When Aric was asked if EGR promised him the ride for Daytona, you can tell that he's not totally in the loop in the issue of the car that was to be his ride... His reply was "Yeah. I mean gosh, I don't know. I mean, I think so, yes." and further added to his response that "But as far as I know, yes, I'm going to race in the Daytona 500 in the No. 8 car. Now, whether that changes or not, that's beyond my control."

On an enlightening side, when someone asked him about his status, for the umpteenth time, Aric's response was rather to the point with "You are beating a dead horse."

From his side of things, he says it's been brutal trying to find a sponsor and said that in regards to cost effectiveness and a sponsor putting their logos on cars, that "... sponsors are not , stupid; they know how bad the economic times are, and they know that they're going to be able to buy more for their dollar right now. So they're shopping around."

As it stands, in regards to drivers' salaries, and specifically his in particular Aric said that right now "It's not a time anymore to where you can just say, oh, the hell with it and I'm going to go get a job somewhere else." and quoted that he knows of at least a thousand people in the North Carolina that don't have the NASCAR jobs they are qualified for.

This, to me said a lot. If that's on his mind, my take is maybe he's thought about the short straw he's gotten and pondered the idea of moving teams... it seems he's the king of short straws these last few years, but the economy has pretty much tied him to EGR. At least he has a job for the moment and can probably count on a few rides this year!

source: nascar media,
image: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images.

The 8, Martin, Almirola, Army Sponsor

Here's the big news we've all been waiting for:

Jim Utter over at ThatsRacin says that Barring a last-minute change, Nextel Cup Series veteran Mark Martin and rookie Aric Almirola will become the drivers of Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s No. 8 Chevrolet next season, The Charlotte Observer has learned.

Good scoop if it's true.

http://www.thatsracin.com/242/story/6078.html

(It just won't be the same.. )

Almirola to Join Ginn Racing

Aric Almirola is set to join Ginn Racing next season to split the 2008 season in the organization’s No. 01 Chevrolet team with veteran Mark Martin, the Observer has learned.

See the article at: http://www.thatsracin.com/247/story/5495.html

Aric Almirola Says his Piece

Aric Almirola says he still doesn't agree with Joe Gibbs Racing officials' decision to replace him during the AT&T 250 Busch Series race last weekend at the Milwaukee Mile, and he doesn't feel as if it was his first NASCAR victory, even though he was credited with the win.

....

"They made a group decision to put Denny in the car. I'm not saying that I necessarily agree with it. I am still not happy with it, but I understand the decision."

See the article at SceneDaily

Gibbs, Hamlin, Almirola

Wow, Gibbs is taking it on the chin today as I read post after post of negativity / displeasure with the Gibbs team having pulled Almirola from the 20 car in the Busch race when he was doing so well.

The frustration was evident with Almirola, who was too upset to play company man and support the move, as cameras caught him storming off, and according to sources, left the track.

Somehow though, it was a group decision to swap Denny into the car under yellow, as it seems no one person is taking the heat for the decision.

btw: The last relief driver to win was Harry Gant, who took over for Jack Ingram at Darlington in April 1985.

Gibbs has been quoted to saying the decision was made by the “group” of Joe Gibbs Racing officials at Milwaukee and was not dictated by the sponsor, Rockwell Automation who is based in Milwaukee.

Either way it goes, it's now sparking rumors on the net of Almirola going elsewhere for '08, but that's for more conjectural fact in another post, on another day.

http://www.thatsracin.com/247/story/5073.html & a NASCAR.com link on the matter which seems a little more in depth.

by Bruce Simmons, the Fan Reporter .

Aric Almirola - An Observation

Aric Almirola of Joe Gibbs Racing qualified the #20 Busch car to the pole position, sitting in for Denny Hamlin. In fact, he's going to go ahead and drive for Hamlin in the race, as Hamlin opted to stay in Sonoma.

If you get a chance, catch a gander of Aric...

Is it me, or does he look like what Richard Petty looked like in his younger days??!!