PETERSEN MEDIA
It was only a matter of time until Rico Abreu would breakthrough and pick up a midget win in 2012 as he had picked up 360 and 410 winged sprint car wins earlier in the season, and the youngster finally cashed in Sunday night at the Angell Park Speedway and did it in style aboard his Keith Kunz Motorsports/Abreu Vineyards/TRD No.67.
Just one week ago racing at the same venue with the USAC National series, Abreu had an impressive showing at the historic venue until a parts failure sidelined him from the fourth spot.
“I had Sun Prairie, WI on my mind for the entire week,” Abreu said. “Last week we were really good here, and I loved the track so I was itching to get back.”
It was well worth the St. Helena, CA driver’s wait as he opened up the night by timing in with the fastest lap during qualifications putting him in the eighth spot for his heat race.
Charging up to the second spot, as he thrilled the crowd, Abreu ended up putting his machine in the second row for the feature event.
The youngster quickly went to work on the top of the track as he ran the very rugged cushion like a season veteran, much to the crowd’s delight.
Abreu ran in the third spot for the first half of the race, until he was able to sneak into the second spot on the 13th lap as he looked to track down Mike Hess in very dense traffic.
Abreu continued to run the top as he got all four wheels above the cushion to make his pass for the lead on the 16th lap.
Abreu would be slowed by a caution with just eight markers remaining, but that didn’t phase him as he cruised on to pick up his first career midget win.
The win made Abreu the 133rd different winner at the historic track, and the California product was visibly pumped up in victory lane.
“It feels great to get my first win at such an historic facility, my car was just perfect, and I am really looking forward to getting back to this place,” explained Abreu in victory lane.
“We have come close a few times this year, and it’s really all about putting yourself in position to win these kind of races,” Abreu stated. “I have learned so much hanging around a great group of guys, Keith, Pete, and Kristo, and we really have something going on as a team right now.”
Rico and his team would like to thank Abreu Vineyards, Toyota, ButlerBuilt, Kaeding Performance, Outlaw Wings, Swift Metal Finishings, and Petersen Media for their partnership.
ON TAP: Abreu will now return home to California for a few days as he looks over his sprint car schedule. He will return to the seat of his KKM midget on July 26th at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. Keep your eyes peeled on twitter @RicoAbreu or @Petersen_Media for any schedule announcements.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with Rico by visiting his website at www.ricoabreuracing.com, ‘liking’ him on facebook at www.facebook.com/ricoabreuracing or following him on twitter @RicoAbreu.
VIDEO: Be sure to check out http://www.youtube.com/ricoabreuracing for video of Rico, as content is constantly being uploaded!