Updated July 18
Cup Series: Almirola takes upset win in New Hampshire
Aric Almirola gives Stewart-Haas Racing its first victory this season, earning a spot in the playoffs.
By DAN GELSTONAssociated Press
Charles Krupa/Associated Press
LOUDON, N.H. Aric Almirola carried the weight of a winless season while chasing a playoff berth that seemed implausible for a driver buried deep in the standings on a Stewart-Haas Racing program that had yet to take a checkered flag.
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His confidence sagged. The pressure tightened on the No. 10 team.
Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shocker at New Hampshire
With darkness closing in, Aric Almirola sprung to life late Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and pulled off the surprise victory, the first one of the year for Stewart-Haas Racing.
The Canadian Press
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LOUDON, N.H. Aric Almirola carried the weight of a winless season while chasing a playoff berth that seemed implausible for a driver buried deep in the standings on a Stewart-Haas Racing program that had yet to take a checkered flag.
His confidence sagged. The pressure tightened on the No. 10 team.
With darkness falling at New Hampshire, Almirola saw his season suddenly come into focus. Almirola sprung to life late Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and pulled off the surprise victory, a vital boost for SHR, Ford and another shakeup of the NASCAR playoff picture.
Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shock win at NH’s ‘Magic Mile’ >Brad Keselowski makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Loudon, N.H., on Sunday. >Denny Hamlin competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa >Chase Elliott competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa >Ryan Blaney competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa >Bubba Wallace, right, smiles while watching New England Patriots wide receiver Gunner Olszewski catch a football thrown by a fan during a rain delay at the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa
Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shocker at New Hampshire >Brad Keselowski makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa >Denny Hamlin competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa >Chase Elliott competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa >Ryan Blaney competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Charles Krupa
Stewart-Haas Racing driver Aric Almirola will honor hero Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor during the Coca-Cola 600 with the fallen veteran s name on his car. Monsoor was awarded the Medal of Honor for throwing himself onto a grenade to save other members of his SEAL team in Iraq.
With darkness closing in, Aric Almirola sprung to life late Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and pulled off the surprise victory, the first one of the year for Stewart-Haas Racing. Aric Almirola smiles as he holds up a giant lobster after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. At left is Dave McGrath, general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)