[autotag]Stewart-Haas Racing[/autotag] is already faced with the reality of Kevin Harvick leaving the organization and another NASCAR Cup Series driver may follow suit. Aric Almirola, the driver of the No. 10 car, has a “very high chance” of retiring from the sport at the conclusion of the 2023 season. If so, which drivers would make sense for the race team?
[autotag]Zane Smith[/autotag] is the natural target and one that has previously been covered. Smith, the defending NASCAR Truck Series champion, is allowed to pursue other opportunities after Front Row Motorsports failed to promote him to the Cup Series. If young, pure talent is the organization’s priority, Smith would be the perfect fit as Almirola’s replacement in the No. 10 car.
If Smith is not a viable option due to sponsorship, Stewart-Haas Racing has [autotag]Riley Herbst[/autotag], a NASCAR Xfinity Series driver for the organization, in the pipeline. Herbst carries sponsorship from Monster Energy and would be able to fill the hole that Smithfield Foods may dig. The Las Vegas native has cooled down after a hot start to the season; however, it would be a worthy consideration due to the financial aspect.
Ty Majeski ๐๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐๐จ to claim the win Friday night at Indianapolis Raceway Park!#NASCARPlayoffs | @NASCAR_Trucks pic.twitter.com/FhYRXsqmBD
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) August 12, 2023
Finally, there is an out-of-the-box idea that would make sense for Stewart-Haas Racing. What about ThorSport Racing driver [autotag]Ty Majeski[/autotag]? The driver of the No. 98 truck has dominated the last two races with first and second-place finishes. Majeski likely represents the second-best driver in the Ford pipeline without full-time experience in the Cup Series. It would be an unexpected move but one that would make sense if talent is the priority.
Either way, the No. 10 car for Stewart-Haas Racing represents the best ride open in NASCAR silly season if Almirola retires at the end of the year. The organization needs to rebuild its driver lineup and any of these drivers would be a good addition to the team.
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