After Aric Almirola announced he was departing Stewart-Haas Racing at the conclusion of the 2023 Cup Series season, Smithfield announced it won’t return as a sponsor in 2024.
“Smithfield Foods congratulates Aric Almirola on his excellent run with Stewart-Haas Racing,” Smithfield said in a statement. “With Aric’s decision to explore new opportunities, the time has come for Smithfield to end our NASCAR partnership.”
Smithfield sponsored Almirola for 12 seasons, dating back to 2012, his first full season at the Cup level. Almirola won three races in Smithfield colors, with two of those coming under the SHR banner. Almirola finished a career-high fifth in points during the 2018 season.
Smithfield Foods Statement on NASCAR Sponsorship pic.twitter.com/Z9u5i05ymm
— Smithfield Foods (@SmithfieldFoods) October 28, 2023