He didn’t use the R word (retire) this time, but Aric Almirola announced on October 28 that he would not be returning to Stewart-Haas Racing and the number 10 car next season.

Last year, Almirola announced his retirement from racing, citing a desire to spend more time with his children and then abruptly un-retired himself to run another year for SHR in the number 10.

This time around, Almirola gave no detail of his future plans; only said that he is ready for the next adventure.

In a social media post Almirola made the announcement; adding “to everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing: A genuine and heartfelt THANK YOU for the last six years.”

With the departure of Aric Almirola, sponsor Smithfield is also leaving the sport.

Co-owner Tony Stewart has stated that SHR will remain a four car team and that a new driver and sponsors will be announced “in the near future”.

Releasing a team statement Stewart said, “I’m proud of everything Aric has accomplished and am especially proud that his last six years have been with Stewart-Haas Racing.  He and Smithfield formed an incredible partnership that resonated on and off the race track, and a lot of that is a testament to Aric. He always puts forth maximum effort, and he makes everyone around him better. Simply put, he’s a great person – an awesome dad to Alex and Abby and an exceptional husband to Janice. I know all of them really well and am genuinely happy for their next steps together as a family. Smithfield has been an outstanding partner and a NASCAR staple for more than a decade. Their platform with Aric was a model for the sport, and it was an honor to represent them.”

While Almirola has not given any specifics about his future, he has said that he is not ready to leave racing all together; he wants to continue racing while spending more time with his family.

Almirola is the second SHR driver to leave at the end of the season; Kevin Harvick announced before the season began that this would be his final season as a full time driver.  Harvick will be joining the broadcast crew on FOX next season.  Josh Berry has been tapped to replace Harvick as the driver of the number four car.  Harvick’s primary sponsor Busch is also leaving the team but not the sport.