Phil Cavali/ESPN(CONCORD, N.C.) -- Richard Petty Motorsports has announced Aric Almirola will drive the team's No. 43 car in the Sprint Cup Series next season.

"One of the things I am most excited about is to have the chance to drive a car as iconic as the No. 43," Almirola said in a statement. "There is so much history surrounding that number and to have my name above the door will be really special for me."

Almirola, who raced in the Nationwide Series last season, last participated in a Sprint Cup race in 2010.  He is replacing AJ Allmendinger, who is now with Penske Racing.

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