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Aric Almirola Shakes off Daytona Frustration
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FONTANA, CA (February 22, 2006) – Aric Almirola was on a roll in the GM FlexFuel 250 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona. After starting 35th in the 36-truck field due to an engine change following qualifying, the Tampa Florida native was moving up through the field in the No. 75 Spears Manufacturing Silverado.
An overheating problem was cured on the first stop when the Dave McCarty-led crew pulled tape from the nose of Almirola’s Silverado.
New tires during the second stop gave Almirola what he needed to continue his charge toward the top-10. But on lap 74, the excellent run for the rookie of the year contender ended when he was involved in a multi-truck accident entering Turn Three.
“I didn’t know for sure exactly what happened,” said Almirola. “We were just kind of hanging out staying in line and working our way to the front. I came out of Turn Two and there was a truck pretty much stopped right at the end of the back stretch We hit it pretty hard and I got my Spears Silverado up in the air, I wasn’t sure we weren’t going over but it landed back on all four wheel. Just disappointing, our night ended there.
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We had a little overheating problem but once my Spears crew guys pulled off some tape, we were good. I learned a lot out there. I would have liked to have finished the race and headed to California with a few more point; but we will just go out there and start building our season from there.”
Almirola has his sights set on California Speedway for the second event on the 2006 25-race NCTS schedule. Although this will be his first experience at the Fontana California track, Almirola is ready for the challenge.
“I am pumped up about going to California Speedway, said Almirola. “I am glad Daytona is behind us, and we can get going on building our season.
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“Last year the Spears team ran very well at California. We are going back with the same equipment they had there so I have a lot of confidence in my truck. I have never been there, so the key will be getting up to speed as quickly as possible. The first lap on the track will be exciting and an eye-opener I am sure.
“Spears Manufacturing headquarters are not far from the track so I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet people from the company that support our program. Wayne and Connie Spears are exceptional people, and I am privileged to have this opportunity with their team. They don’t put pressure on me to do anything but have fun and learn each time I get in their truck. I would really like to have a good run for them in the hometown.”
Practice for the Racetickets.com 200 will be on Thursday, February 23 from 2:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.. Qualifying will be held on Friday at 10:10 a.m. and the 100-lap, 200-mile race is set to take the green flag on Friday, February 24 at 6:15 p.m. Pacific time (9:15 p.m. Eastern). SPEED TV, MRN Radio and XM Satellite Radio will provide live coverage of round two of the 2006 NCTS and Chevy Team Silverado season.