Aric Almirola lands Cup ride with Phoenix Racing
By Bob Pockrass
Saturday, January 09, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Aric Almirola said he will drive the No. 09 Phoenix Racing car in 2010.
The former Earnhardt Ganassi Racing driver said the plan is to compete in all the races in the James Finch-owned car.
“I went into Homestead [last year] having no idea what I was going to do [in 2010],” Almirola said Saturday at the Sprint Sound and Speed event. “Over the winter months, I was pleased to find out that I’m going to run the 09 Cup car. … I talked with James about it. His plan is to go full‑time.
“[We’re] still working on a lot of things. When I got off the phone with him just the other day, it was, ‘We’re going racing, and the rest will take care of itself.’ Hopefully we can get everything situated in the next couple of weeks."
Almirola drove in eight races last year. He finished 29th at New Hampshire in September in his lone start for the Phoenix Racing organization.
Brad Keselowski snagged the first Cup victory for the organization last year at Talladega, but the team has not always entered races with the intention of running the entire event.
“I’ve asked them, ‘Are we going to race or start and park? What’s our plan?’” Almirola said. “[Finch] told me, ‘Just get in and drive it.’ So I’m excited. I’m looking forward to 2010. I’m ready.”
Almirola said he also plans to run a Billy Ballew Motorsports truck in select races this year.
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