Rico Abreu Records Top-Ten In Tulare; Shows Speed In Stockton
Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / RICO ABREU RACING – STOCKTON, CA – Rico Abreu was well on his way to a second consecutive top-ten finish with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series on Saturday night when mechanical issues struck the Abreu Vineyards/Rhino Wipe/Lucas Oil/Alpinestars/Priority Aviation/No. 24 sprint car, forcing the St. Helena, Calif., native to retire early at the Stockton (Calif.) Dirt Track.
Abreu, who qualified for the 30-lap, FVP Platinum Battery Western Spring Shootout program at Stockton Dirt Track by finishing second during his respective heat race and fourth during the evening’s Craftsman Club Dash, was battling for the top spot when mechanical issues left his car impaired. While chasing fellow California native, Cory Eliason, for the lead, a component in the front end malfunctioned, forcing Abreu to go to the work area. Unfortunately, the damage was too severe and Abreu was forced to retire. Only 13 laps were complete at the time of the caution.
“Stuff like that is really disappointing, especially when we had a shot to get the win,” Abreu said. “It’s just one of those things. It comes with the territory and you have to be prepared to bounce back and work for a win the next time you race. Hopefully we can shake this awful luck and get a string of success going really soon.”
Rico Abreu’s second top-ten finish of the 2018 season against the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series occurred at the Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., on Friday, March 9. Abreu started 11th on the feature grid, advancing one position to solidify himself inside the top-ten.
Abreu’s evening in Tulare kicked-off by recording the sixth fastest time during the first segment of qualifying time trials, all before finishing third during his respective heat race.
“Thunderbowl Raceway is always a fun place to race,” Abreu continued. “It’s an elbows-up place and it really fits my driving style. I’m excited for the opportunity to go back there.”
