Almirola, aged 39, made the decision to retire from his full-time role as a Cup Series driver at the conclusion of the 2023 season, marking the end of a six-year tenure with Stewart-Haas Racing.
Shortly after his decision, Joe Gibbs Racing owner Joe Gibbs approached Almirola about returning to the organization where his NASCAR career began nearly two decades ago.
Gibbs saw in Almirola not only an excellent role model and mentor for JGR’s emerging crop of younger drivers but also someone who could actively compete in the Xfinity Series as a full-time driver.
Recalling the initial conversation, Almirola shared, “Coach first asked me about racing full-time. I told him, ‘I don’t think I can tell Janice (his wife) I’m retiring from full-time racing to go full-time racing.’ So, we talked through that, and we kind of settled on what would be ideal for me, which was about 15 races.”
In addition to his role as a driver, Almirola found the prospect of being a coach and mentor particularly appealing and wasted no time in embracing this responsibility. He has already spent significant time individually with the drivers, both away from the shop and at the facility, building relationships and providing guidance.
While Almirola acknowledges that each driver has a unique and talented style, he emphasizes the importance of mentorship, drawing from his own experiences seeking advice from Hall of Famers like Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, and Jimmie Johnson.
He sees his role as an opportunity to speed up the learning curve for young drivers and offer guidance not just on the track but also in navigating life and maintaining a work/life balance.
Steve de Souza, JGR’s executive vice president for Xfinity Series/development, highlighted Almirola’s impact on the organization, noting that his involvement has already been felt. With a roster of young drivers this season, including Cup drivers Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs, Almirola’s experience and leadership play a crucial role.
JGR, fielding four full-time Xfinity teams and an ARCA program this season, will have Sheldon Creed and Chandler Smith as full-time Xfinity competitors. Other teams will have multiple drivers, including Almirola, John Hunter Nemechek, Joe Graf Jr., William Sawalich, Taylor Gray, and Ryan Truex.
Despite having not yet hit the track, Almirola expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, noting that this opportunity to focus on more than just himself makes this year particularly special.
