Despite the recent news of Josh Berry replacing Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 car, Stewart-Haas Racing has plenty of decisions to make for the 2024 season. The organization could have more than one change to its current driver lineup.
Aric Almirola, the driver of the No. 10 car, is “widely expected” to retire at the conclusion of the 2023 NASCAR season after returning for another year. Almirola initially announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Stewart-Haas Racing and Smithfield Foods, Almirola’s sponsor, pushed for the 39-year-old driver to come back and not initiate a search for a new driver. Now, the organization has been linked to a rising NASCAR star to replace Almirola as this could be his farewell season.
Stewart-Haas Racing linked to this rising NASCAR star for the No. 10 car in 2024
Stewart-Haas Racing has two drivers, Berry and Chase Briscoe, secured for their 2024 driver lineup. Almirola and Ryan Preece, the driver of the No. 41 car, are not certain and may not return to the organization depending on what happens next.
It is no secret that the organization has been struggling during the 2023 season. Harvick is the only Stewart-Haas Racing driver to be in the top 20 spots of the point standings as he sits in sixth place behind Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch.
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The performances have not been up to par and it might cause Almirola to finally step away for good and focus on his family. It would not be surprising as his time in the NASCAR Cup Series is coming to a close soon.
Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern jumped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and revealed who might replace Almirola in the No. 10 car in 2024. The driver named is not the only option but it is notable to see him linked to the ride due to his status in the Ford camp.
“Who steps in (the No. 10 car)? Obviously, Zane Smith has been a name that has been touted as a possibility to get to (Stewart-Haas Racing) but of course he’s got a contract with (Front Row Motorsports) so how that all works out, I haven’t heard yet. I think clearly that’s one name to keep an eye on if (Aric Almirola) was to go away but there’s probably some others as well.”
Adam Stern on Aric Almirola’s replacement if he retires before 2024
It is not surprising to see Zane Smith linked to Stewart-Haas Racing. Smith is the defending NASCAR Truck Series champion and represents Ford’s best prospect in their pipeline. In fact, the Front Row Motorsports driver has been getting time in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Smith will likely be in the Cup Series either way for the 2024 season as he is ready to make the jump from the Truck Series. Front Row Motorsports has a multi-year contract with the 24-year-old driver; however, Ford could prefer to see him at a more established organization.
Stern said that others are probably connected to Stewart-Haas Racing but that Smith is the one driver that has been named. There are several other options available that make sense which makes this very intriguing.
If Smith is not bought out by Stewart-Haas Racing and stays with Front Row Motorsports, who could replace Almirola in the No. 10 car? Continue reading to find out three ideal drivers to take over the entry as soon as the 2024 season!
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3 ideal candidates to replace Aric Almirola at Stewart-Haas Racing
Stewart-Haas Racing has a lot on the table as the organization plans for the 2024 NASCAR season. With at least two rides seemingly locked in now, this leaves two open seats available for drivers looking to make a jump to better equipment or the NASCAR Cup Series in general.
Harrison Burton currently drives the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing in the Cup Series and runs under the Ford banner. Burton, 22, has appeared to take a step back compared to his rookie season but his performances are starting to improve.
The 22-year-old driver would be a good fit for Stewart-Haas Racing if it is looking to become younger but it might take time for him to develop. Burton may not have the desired results but he has shown promise on some occasions.
Riley Herbst would be another young option for Stewart-Haas Racing. Herbst, 24, has been struggling after a strong start to the 2023 season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series but his sponsorship is a major factor in this situation.
The 24-year-old driver carries Monster Energy and could be a great addition if the organization loses both Busch Light and Smithfield Foods. Herbst may not stand out but it wouldn’t be surprising if the team needs help with sponsorship.
Finally, Corey LaJoie drives the No. 7 car for Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series and has steadily improved over the years. LaJoie, 31, received a great opportunity when Hendrick Motorsports used him as a substitute driver after Chase Elliott’s suspension at World Wide Technology RAfeway.
The 31-year-old driver didn’t impress but the overall work throughout the 2023 season is present. LaJoie would be another solid option but would he be better off staying with the improving Spire Motorsports instead?
It is clear that Stewart-Haas Racing will have several options for the 2024 season. The progression of NASCAR silly season will depend on what the organization decides as it appears to be the top option available right now.