(Mooresville, N.C.) – Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) announced today that the team will field an entry for Aric Almirola for the Wright Brand 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Almirola will pilot the No. 16 Toyota Tsusho Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for the event.
This event will mark Almirola’s first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event since 2012. The NASCAR veteran has two wins, 19 top fives, and 38 career top 10’s in truck series competition.
Aric Almirola has carved out a successful career in NASCAR, consistently competing across the sport’s top series. Almirola boasts three career NASCAR Cup Series victories, including a Daytona 500 Duel win in 2023. Almirola has consistently challenged for playoff berths, finishing as high as fifth in the championship standings in 2018.
Prior to his tenure in the Cup Series, Almirola honed his skills across various NASCAR ranks, including the Xfinity Series and Truck Series. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated dedication and consistency, amassing over 460 starts in the Cup Series alone. His impressive average finish of 19th showcases his ability to consistently compete at the sharp end of the field.
Almirola stated that he is thrilled to be back behind the wheel of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway with Hattori Racing Enterprises. “North Wilkesboro is a unique track, and it was definitely different last year with the old and worn out racing surface,” Almirola said. “I think it will be a completely different experience this year with the new pavement.”
Reuniting with his former crew chief, Richie Wauters, for the Wright Brand 250 is another exciting aspect for Almirola. “Getting back to the truck series with Richie has been something I’ve been looking forward to since we first discussed racing at North Wilkesboro a few months ago,” he explained. “I want to thank Shige Hattori for the opportunity to drive the No. 16 Toyota Tsusho Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for the Wright Brands 250.”
Team owner Shige Hattori looks forward to veteran Almirola joining the organization for the North Wilkesboro Speedway event.
“We’re excited to have Aric behind the wheel of our Toyota Tsusho Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at North Wilkesboro. His experience in the series, particularly in the early days of his career, will be invaluable. He understands the unique challenges of these vehicles and this historic track. Aric will also give us a great understanding of where we are at as a team and give us some valuable feedback”.
The Wright Brand 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway kicks off on Saturday, May 18th at 1:30 pm EST. Catch all of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing action on FS1.
About Toyota Tsusho America:
Toyota Tsusho America is a vast and growing company with a track record of success dating back more than 60 years. Operating throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, we contribute to local economies all over North America via our expertise in multiple industries – including supply-chain management, logistics, importing and exporting.
We’re tackling the business issues of today, while always keeping an eye toward tomorrow. At Toyota Tsusho America, we’re creating solutions – and working toward A Better Future for Us All.
About Hattori Racing Enterprises:
Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) was founded in 2008 by Shigeaki Hattori and has fielded entries in a variety of different series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series. As a former driver, Hattori captured the Japan Formula Toyota championship in 1994 and moved to the United States the following year to race open-wheel cars. He competed in the Toyota Atlantic Series, Indy Lights and IndyCar.
He won a pair of Indy Lights races in 1998 and made two starts in the Indianapolis 500. In 2005, Hattori made the transition to stock cars and drove a Toyota Tundra in the Craftsman Truck Series. Hattori’s organization reached its pinnacle achievement in 2018 when Brett Moffitt and the No. 16 team captured the Craftsman Trucks championship in the team’s second full-time season.
HRE and driver Austin Hill recorded eight victories from 2019-21 and cemented the organization into a perennial championship contender. In 2024, HRE will field Toyota Tundra TRD Pro’s and Toyota Camry’s to contend in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series and the ARCA Menards Series.
Source: Hattori Racing Enterprises
