Aric Almirola

Aric Almirola is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner and the first NASCAR national series driver and winner of Cuban descent. A Tampa, Florida, native, he has led his teams to five playoff appearances throughout his career.

Almirola began racing go-karts at age 8 and quickly earned local and state titles before advancing to the national karting scene in 1998. His breakthrough came in 2003 when he was selected to join a diversity program created by Joe Gibbs Racing and the late NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White. The program aimed to develop minority talent in motorsports, and Almirola secured his spot by winning a driver combine at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

Known for his leadership both on and off the track, Almirola emphasizes team building, preparation, and relationship management. His approach to performance includes rigorous physical and mental training, such as contrast therapy, endurance cycling, and sleep optimization—crucial during NASCAR’s demanding 40-race season that stretches from February to November.

Almirola has shared his insights on leadership and team culture with Fortune 500 companies, including Smithfield Foods, Mobil 1, Ford Motor Company and Roche. He emphasizes a people-first philosophy that blends competitive excellence with personal balance.

Off the track, Almirola is a dedicated husband, father of two, Christian, friend and philanthropist. He speaks frequently about aligning high performance with gratitude, well-being, his faith, and fulfillment—both professionally and personally.