Seven-time NASCAR Xfinity Series winner Aric Almirola is set to return to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025, running a nine-race schedule in the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra.
Almirola, who has victories in all three of NASCAR’s National Series, will open his season with the championship-winning organization at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22.
Young Life, a global, Christ-centered ministry devoted to building bridges of authentic friendship, introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ, and helping youth grow in their faith, will serve as the primary sponsor for Almirola in his part-time campaign.
“I am thrilled for Young Life and JGR to be partnering this season. It’s Young Life’s goal and ministry to reach and know kids by name, engage them with fun and adventure, and introduce them to Jesus Christ,” said Newt Crenshaw, president and CEO of Young Life. “This partnership is playing a part in making that happen, as we’ll be poised to reach more kids, make a lasting impact, and show them the love and excitement that both racing and faith can offer.”
Young Life was a lifelong passion for J.D. Gibbs, who served on the ministry’s national board before his passing in January 2019. The J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund was established to honor J.D. and support Young Life with its continued mission.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to get behind the wheel again and have Young Life represented on the car with me,” said Almirola. “I know Young Life was a central focus in the life of my friend J.D. Gibbs and it means so much to me to have this opportunity to bring awareness to the great work they do introducing Christ to young people all over the world.”
Almirola isn’t a newcomer to Joe Gibbs Racing, after beginning his career with the organization including a rise through the ranks of Late Models and into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, before leaving to pursue opportunities in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Last season, the Tampa, Florida native reunited with the organization to run 14 NASCAR Xfinity Series events, in which he captured three wins, eight top-fives, and nine top-10s.
“The ministry of Young Life has played a key role in my life and my entire family’s lives and was also a huge part of my friendship with J.D. Gibbs,” said Dave Alpern, president of Joe Gibbs Racing. “To see that ministry highlighted on one of our race cars is an incredible blessing to me and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing.”
This Young Life sponsorship was made possible through a generous donation.
One Response
My son and his Young Life mentor were at the track at AMS yesterday. When my son was telling me about his first ever nascar experience, his excitement was centered around the YL car. He and his mentor were so pumped to have had the opportunity to see the car race. Unfortunately, they were not able to get into pit row to meet the driver.
YL will ALWAYS hold a special place in our lives. I had encouraged him to join, but he didn’t do so until the day after the Apalachee School shooting occurred in our county. The day after the shooting my son told me there was one good thing that came out of that day: Everyone was praying to God. He was right about that.
Hoping we can see the YL car and driver at a race again sometime!