Aric Almirola is eager to tackle the challenge of Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Aric Almirola is eager to head to the first intermediate track of the year, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After posting the fastest time in January testing at the similar Charlotte Motor Speedway, the team has confidence it can be fast this weekend. The No. 43 Farmland Ford team finished the 2012 season with solid finishes at intermediate tracks and showed at the Charlotte test that their intermediate program is still strong with the new car. Almirola will make his fifth start at the Nevada track this weekend.

"I feel that we can really use our notes from the test this Thursday and also what we learned at Charlotte to help us post a good finish," Almirola stated. "Even though it is early in the year, it is extremely important for our team to be in the top-10 in points. Now, all we need to do is stay consistent. We want to post top-10 and top-five finishes weekly. Our Richard Petty Motorsports team is capable of doing that and now we just need to go out and do it."

Once again, Almirola will join Farmland in donating food and money to a local food bank. The duo will present the donation to the Three Square Food Bank Thursday, March 7 at 5:15 p.m. during a fan fest at Smith's Grocery located at 2255 E. Centennial Pkwy North Las Vegas, Nev.

"I am excited for another weekend with Farmland on the car," Almirola continued. "This is one of the most special things I get to be a part of. I can't imagine going to bed hungry and really can't even think about my kid going to bed hungry. I'm just honored to be connected to a company that understands that and does what they can to help end hunger."

The No. 43 team has prepared chassis No. 742 for Vegas. The team raced this is chassis in Homestead last year.

"I think our intermediate program is really strong. We proved that in the Charlotte test by posting the top time. So far, we have been consistent and will work hard to stay that way. We have to win races to compete for the championship, but getting solid finishes is just as important right now," stated Crew Chief Todd Parrott. "Thursday's test will be important for us. Everyone is still trying to figure out the characteristics of this new car, and we'll be getting a lot of track time. We'll be working pretty hard for Sunday."

Fans can catch the Las Vegas 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast on FOX and MRN/SiriusXM 90.

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