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Aric Almirola to make NASCAR Cup return this weekend at NHMS

Aric Almirola will return to action this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford

Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford

Russell LaBounty / NKP / Motorsport Images

Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford
Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford
Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford, Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford in a huge crash
Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford
Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford
Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford

The driver the No. 43 Petty Enterprises Ford suffered an acute compression fracture to his T5 vertebra following a multi-car wreck at Kansas Speedway on May 13.

Almirola tested at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday and felt fine after the test.

“It felt great to be back in the racecar yesterday,” said Almirola. “After racing in the Monster Energy Series for five and a half years, it got to be routine, and I took it for granted. When something gets taken away from you at a moment’s notice like that, it has certainly made me appreciate my passion for racing and my desire to compete at this level.

“The thrill of running 200 miles per hour in a stock car was something that I had honestly lost a little bit. After being out of the car for eight weeks, the passion is back, now more than ever.”

Almirola is looking to pick up where he left off before the accident. He had tied his season-high finish of fourth the week prior to the wreck and finished ninth two weeks earlier at Richmond. In 13 starts at New Hampshire, Almirola’s best result was fifth in 2013. He has two top-10 finishes.

Click on the image for video on Aric Almirola's return:

 

Doctors initially told Almirola he would be out for eight to 12 weeks. After physical therapy and swimming to strengthen the muscles in his back, the driver was ready to return in eight weeks.

“Physically, I felt great in the car and had no pain associated with the injury during yesterday’s test,” Almirola added. “I’d like to sincerely thank all of the medical personnel that have helped me through this process, my family, my friends, my team and all the fans that supported me.

“I’m very grateful to Bubba (Wallace), Regan (Smith) and Billy (Johnson) for all of their efforts subbing for me both on and off the track. I’m excited to get back to racing against all my friends and peers in the Monster Energy Series.”

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