Almirola presses on via strength through heritage

In order for Aric Almirola's family to immigrate to America from communist Cuba, they had to give up everything they owned to the government: land, money, possessions.

Coming to this country on the U.S.-sponsored Cuban Freedom Flights in the 1960s, the only clothes the family was allowed to take were the ones on their backs. His grandmother was even forced to give up her wedding ring.

Sunday spin

Aric Almirola has one top-10 in 20 Cup starts, finishing eighth at Bristol last March. He has finished 30th and 35th in two starts this year. Despite spinning out twice at Daytona, he finished on the lead lap.

• Video: Almirola spin 1
• Video: Almirola spin 2

"When they landed in Miami they got off the plane, they checked in with immigration and the U.S. government gave them $100, patted my grandfather on the back and said good luck," recalled Almirola from the stories told to him by his father, who was 4 years old when the family immigrated.

The older Almirola gets the more he appreciates this story, and the greater his struggle becomes to find success in NASCAR the more he looks to his family heritage for strength.

Since Almirola's 2007 debut in the Cup Series, the 23-year-old has undergone two different mergers among three teams and is still looking for a sponsor that will enable him to run his first full-time season in NASCAR.

Joining the newly merged Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Almirola has a new respect and unique relationship with Sabates. A Cuban-American like his father and grandfather, Sabates also fled the communist island in hopes of greater opportunities in the U.S.

"I think the biggest thing is admiration and mutual respect for each other," Almirola said. "I was fortunate to be born in America but I appreciate what Felix has gone through because I hear the stories from my dad and grandparents. Felix is outstanding."

Sabates left Cuba in 1959. He was 15 years old with no family waiting for him in America.

"I left Cuba with $25 and two boxes of Cuban cigars to sell when I got to Miami, that way I would have money to live for a few weeks," Sabates said. (Continued)