CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Aric Almirola knows that his good fortune can be traced to good family, good decisions and a great country. "My story is just one of millions," says the Richard Petty Motorsports driver, whose roots resonate with a patriotic bond to the third annual "NASCAR: An American Salute" program, a seven-week campaign to rally teams, tracks, fans and partners to collectively recognize and honor active and retired service members. Almirola's patriotism extends far beyond the U.S. Air Force logo on the blue hood of his iconic No. 43 Ford and runs deeper than the commitment his sponsor Eckrich Meats has made in aiding military families. It extends all the way back to 1966, when his paternal grandparents emigrated from Cuba, sacrificing all their possessions so their family might have the opportunity to live the American dream. More...