It will be the sixth Cup race of the season and first since June 29 at New Hampshire for the 24-year-old rookie, who is sharing the ride this season with Mark Martin. But it will be Almirola's first start since last month's announcement that he will drive the No. 8 entry full-time for DEI in 2009.
The youngster is scheduled to compete in 12 Cup races this season, including three in the next four weeks.
Though a road course might not be an easy return for Almirola after a layoff of more than a month, he is looking forward to the challenge, despite starting 40th and finishing 28th in the June road race at Sonoma.
"Once I started to get a hang of racing on a road course I actually started to like it," Almirola said. "The goal for Watkins Glen will be the same as in Sonoma, to keep all four tires on the pavement and get the best finish possible."
Tony Gibson, crew chief for the No. 8 Chevrolet, liked what he saw at Sonoma.
"Aric did everything we asked of him, and more," Gibson said. "He kept the car out of trouble, stayed on the lead lap and improved as the race went on. He's a quick learner who has loads of talent."
Almirola, who also had six Cup starts last year, doesn't particularly enjoy watching races from the pits and could hardly wait to get back in the car.
"Don't get me wrong, I am fortunate to learn from Mark, but being on the sidelines is not any fun," Almirola said. "I want to get in there and be part of the action. I am really looking forward to the next four weeks.
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NEW DEAL: The IndyCar Series and Infineon Raceway have reached a three-year agreement that will keep the open-wheel series in the Sonoma Valley through 2011.
IndyCars returned to the road circuit in Northern California's wine country in 2005 after a 35-year absence. With the recent unification of the IndyCar Series and the now-defunct Champ Car World Series, raceway officials decided it was the right time to extend the relationship beyond year-to-year.
"This series has tremendous momentum, with larger fields, emerging new stars and terrific racing," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. "The future of IndyCar racing is bright ... and we're excited to see that future play out on the corners and straightaways of Infineon Raceway."
Infineon is the only facility in the country that hosts every major form of motor racing, including NASCAR Sprint Cup, AMA motorcycles, NHRA drag racing, the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series and IndyCar.
This year's IndyCar event is scheduled Aug. 22-24.
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STARING UP: Childress-Howard Motorsports will make its competitive debut Saturday in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race at Watkins Glen International.
Andy Wallace and Andy Lally will co-drive the No. 4 AT&T Daytona Prototype Pontiac Crawford fielded by the new team co-owned by NASCAR's Richard Childress and Rick Howard, president of Howard Motorsports.
The announcement of the team's formation was made Jan. 21 during the NASCAR Media Tour stop at Richard Childress Racing, with plans to compete in at least one other race this season and then the full season in 2009.
"We had a fantastic two-day test last month at Virginia International Raceway with a brand new car," said Wallace. "Andy and I use exactly the same seat so there will be no extra time needed when we make the driver change to add a seat insert. We like the same car setup so there won't be any issues there, either. I can't wait to get at it."
Wallace, from Oxford, England, has three overall victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, two victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring and one in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Lally, from Northport, N.Y., is a three-time Rolex Series class champion.
Kahne wins 2nd pole in 3 weeks
Wheldon steps out of car, onto field
Road racers looking for 1st win at Sonoma
