Aric Almirola has not driven for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since Darlington Raceway on May 11, despite having several races on the schedule.
There have been several rumors circulating on social media about Almirola’s absence, and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic has now reported on one of the more outlandish stories. According to Bianchi, Joe Gibbs Racing has suspended Aric Almirola indefinitely following an altercation between him and Bubba Wallace.
The altercation took place during a weekly competition, and while the reason for the altercation is unclear, Almirola was believed to be the instigator. However, Bianchi also reported that the suspension will be lifted soon. Almirola is scheduled to return to the Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, an unusual move as Almirola was scheduled to return to the track three weeks later.
Joe Gibbs Racing kept the physical altercation away from the media, saying it was a “team decision” to remove Almirola from the No. 20 car at Charlotte Motor Speedway in late May.
Joe Gibbs addresses possible return of No. 18 car in NASCAR Cup Series
Joe Gibbs Racing initially had the No. 18 car, but that ended when Kyle Busch moved to Richard Childress Racing. Ty Gibbs replaced Busch in the rebranded No. 54 car. It was recently announced that Chase Briscoe would replace Martin Truex Jr. However, Joe Gibbs Racing is still retaining the No. 19 car instead of the No. 18, but Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports asked Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, if the team would consider bringing Briscoe back in the No. 18 car.
It doesn’t seem like Joe Gibbs Racing is seriously considering the idea, as the team has yet to make plans to return. “We’ve always talked about that sort of thing, but I don’t think it fits this situation because we’re 19th right now and (Johnny Morris) loves it, so I think that’s a big influence as well,” Gibbs said. “I think it will happen at some point in the future, but I haven’t thought about it yet, so that’s what we’ll do.”
Joe Gibbs Racing may keep the number free for Gibbs, but he seems content to drive the No. 54 and establish his own identity. It’s odd to not have Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 car on the track, but it’s not gone forever from the Cup Series. The NASCAR organization could bring it back, but it has to be the right situation for everyone involved.
