[autotag]Stewart-Haas Racing[/autotag] has more questions than answers for the 2024 NASCAR season and beyond. Although the organization has named Josh Berry as Kevin Harvick’s replacement, the status of Aric Almirola in the No. 10 car remains uncertain as he ponders the idea of retirement. Almirola was supposed to retire last season but made the decision to come back.
As of last weekend at Talladega, the driver of the No. 10 car was unsure of his plans for the 2024 season, despite the expectation that he will step away. Almirola’s decision plays a major factor in Stewart-Haas Racing’s driver lineups as Cole Custer could be a logical replacement. Custer was demoted to the organization’s No. 00 Xfinity car in place of Ryan Preece.
Therefore, Almirola’s decision could have ripple effects all the way down to the Xfinity Series. With an already murky future with Ford, Stewart-Haas Racing would likely prefer to have knowledge of its plans sooner rather than later. Speaking of Ford, that in itself is a whole different animal that will surround the race team.
Repost to congratulate Aric Almirola on his NASCAR Cup Series POLE at Talladega! Joey Logano also qualifies for the front row. pic.twitter.com/K3EByK2Q8M
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 30, 2023
Stewart-Haas Racing’s contract with Ford runs through the end of the 2024 NASCAR season and there is speculation that it may look for a different manufacturer. If so, the idea of re-joining Chevrolet seems to be the most logical option. Still, would it truly be worth it to join Chevrolet and maintain a distance behind Hendrick Motorsports and others?
The organization needs to answer that question itself. There may not be a point in moving to Chevrolet if Ford represents the best opportunity. However, the performances of Stewart-Haas Racing in the NextGen car have been very concerning as Harvick is the only Cup Series driver to have a victory since its debut.
With Almirola’s upcoming decision on retirement and the contract with Ford coming to an end soon, Stewart-Haas Racing has many unknowns that may not be solved for some time. In the meantime, the main goal should be celebrating Harvick as he competes in his five races as a full-time driver in the Cup Series.
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