Frontstretch spoke with #43-Aric Almirola at Pocono Raceway, discussing his return to NASCAR competition, expectations moving over and the future with Richard Petty Motorsports. Regarding 2018:

Wolkin: With rumors that you're leaving the team and bringing Smithfield with you, how do you deal with it?

Almirola: You can't focus on that stuff. You have to focus on driving the racecar. That's way above my paygrade. That's all about the front office and for everyone they have working to solidify all of our partners. We want to continue to try to build a better race team and continue to improve. We have a lot of competition in the garage area, and we have to do everything we can to get better. That's where my focus is.

Wolkin: Do you feel a sense of loyalty to RPM?

Almirola: They've been great. Richard's been great to me and great to work with. We've really grown our relationship over these last six years. I've certainly enjoyed every minute of it and I hope it continues for a long time.

Wolkin: So the plan is to continue driving for RPM?

Almirola: That's the plan, unless someone wants to tell me otherwise.

--- Frontstretch ---