Almirola longs for good ol' days of Earnhardt-Gordon

Aric Almirola, driver of the No. 51 Billy Ballew Motorsports Toyota, answers this week's pop culture questions.

1. Who would you like to see host this year's Truck Series banquet?

Almirola: If I had to pick someone to host the banquet, I would pick Ray Romano because he's funny and knows sports.

In the interest of self-preservation, Aric Almirola would rather be stranded with his fiancée than anyone else.

2. After showing up at a Yankees game basically in her bra and underwear with a jersey, should Lady Gaga be banned from the field?

Almirola: I hate that I missed that news headline [laughing]. I don't care what they do to Lady Gaga at the games. If that's how she shows support, so be it.

3. Name something you've done to spoil your pet lately?

Almirola: My two cats are spoiled every day of their lives. We adopted them from the animal shelter and they get to live in the air-conditioned house and sleep right on top of me in our king-size bed. I think they're pretty lucky!

4. If time travel was possible, what NASCAR season would you revisit and why?

Almirola: I think it would be cool to race in the era of Dale Earnhardt vs. Jeff Gordon. I grew up watching NASCAR at that time and that's what sticks in my mind. But it would also be cool to go back to the start of NASCAR and see what it was like to drive the cars and race on the beach at Daytona.

5. What is the craziest thing a fan has done for your autograph?

Almirola: I don't know, I'm sure if you ask Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson this question you would probably get an entertaining answer. Personally, I'm amazed every time I go to an autograph session and our fans are standing in the blistering sun for hours. They really show their dedication. I'm just happy people ask for my autograph.

6. You're banished to an island and must take someone with you. Who and why?

Almirola: I would take my fiancée Janice. She loves going to tropical islands, so why not make her happy? And I'm sure if I picked someone else I wouldn't hear the end of it until I left.