
Despite flashes of speed, Aric Almirola has had a dismal start to the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, after electing not to retire from full-time competition, and that continues Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
While leading the Ambetter Health 400, Aric Almirola had a right-rear tire explode on his No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang, spinning him around quickly, and in front of the large pack of cars behind him.
Yikes. While leading, @Aric_Almirola blows a right-rear tire, spinning in front of the field and collecting Kyle Larson, Justin Haley, and Daniel Suarez.
Larson and Almirola sustained the heaviest damage, putting them out of the race.#NASCAR
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) March 19, 2023
The incident collected Kyle Larson, who was running in second place, as well as Tyler Reddick, Justin Haley, and Daniel Suarez, causing various levels of damage to their respective entries.
Larson and Almirola sustained the heaviest damage in the accident, requiring both drivers – who each received post-race penalties at Phoenix – retiring from the event, earning finishes outside the top-30.