default-cbs-image

Aric Almirola is reportedly set to replace Danica Patrick at Stewart-Haas Racing in the No. 10 car next season, first reported by Motorsport.com. It was announced earlier this season that Patrick would not be returning to the team in 2018.

The 33-year-old Almirola has spent nearly seven years driving the historic No. 43 for Richard Petty Motorsports. While it was known Almirola would be out at RPM next season, it was only recently announced that Darrell "Bubba" Wallace -- who filled in for an injured Almirola this season -- would serve as his replacement. In 241 career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has one career victory (2014 at Daytona) in addition to 11 top fives and 31 top 10s. 

The move makes sense for both sides given Almirola's longtime sponsorship history with Smithfield Foods, which will also be making the switch to Stewart-Haas Racing. Almirola has also run in a Ford Fusion over the course of his career, which is the same make and model Stewart's team recently took on.

Almirola will join former champion and current contender Kevin Harvick as well as Clint Bowyer at SHR. The fourth teammate in the No. 41 has yet to be announced, but it was revealed earlier this season that Kurt Busch's 2018 option would not be picked up.

As for Patrick, 35, her racing future is unclear. She is not under contract for next season and could consider a career in the fitness industry post-retirement. Patrick promotes her clothing line, "Warrior By Danica," on Instagram daily in addition to frequent workout videos.

Ohhhh how are you ever going to be better at something if you don't practice!!!!!! I can do kipping handstand push ups against the wall for days, deficit handstand push ups, strict handstand push ups...... but freestanding, not as good at. So today I wanted to get 5 in a row. I did....and then fell out. 😜 Ego is what motivates us because it's impatient, the soul has forever and is what gives something integrity and authenticity. See, if we only do things to only get attention or make money or be liked, we will never achieve the happiness we seek. If we do things that we truly love, the ego can help motivate us to achieve soulful fulfillment. ✨ today my soul was happy with 5 reps, and an ego check fall. 😌

A post shared by Danica Patrick (@danicapatrick) on