PETERSEN MEDIA
Just two weeks ago Rico Abreu was celebrating his first career sprint car win, and it was in a 360, and Saturday night the second year driver picked up his first 410 win and King of the West win as he scored the popular win in front of a very jubilant crowd.
“We had some horrible luck Friday night, and to come back strong on Saturday and get the win sure makes up for it” explained Abreu.
With 28 cars on hand, Abreu timed his Abreu Vineyards/Kaeding Performance/Outlaw Wings backed entry fourth quickest, putting him in prime position for a berth in the dash.
After spinning out of the opening lap of his heat, Abreu rallied from the back to score a third place finish and transfer directly to the feature event, and qualified for the dash based on his qualifying time.
Pulling the one pill, Abreu lined up on the pole for the six lap contest, and picked up the win, starting on the pole for the 30-lap feature event.
Falling into the second spot on the initial start, Abreu chased down Willie Croft during the opening two circuits, until Croft drifted into the fence and Abreu checked up allowing third running Kyle Larson to take over the lead with Rico still in the second spot.
Withstanding a pair of mid race cautions, Abreu held strong as he kept Larson in his sites as the track began to take rubber, and the race slowly turned into a single file showing.
On the 26th marker, race leader, Larson, went up in smoke and brought out the caution giving Abreu the lead with just four laps left.
“We had a good car, but I knew there was some of the best in the business behind me,” Abreu commented.
Abreu got a great restart over second running, Jonathan Allard, and held him at bay as he cruised on to pick up his first 410, and KWS win over Allard, Tim Kaeding, Tommy Tarlton, and Kyle Hirst.
“It was great winning my first race a couple weeks ago, and it’s really rewarding winning a KWS race over some of the best drivers in the country,” Abreu stated.
Friday night didn’t go so well for the youngster as timed in 15th quickest in time trials, before he was involved in a heat race wreck forcing him into the LCQ.
Making the feature, Abreu was involved in an early crash and ended his evening with a 22nd place finish.
Rico and his team would like to thank Abreu Vineyards, Toyota, ButlerBuilt, Kaeding Performance, Stadelhofer Construction, Outlaw Wings, Swift Metal Finishings, and Petersen Media for their partnership.
ON TAP: Rico will now head home to California, and meet up with the King of the West Series for a double header in Tulare, CA on May 11-12th aboard his Abreu Vineyards/Kaeding Performance No.89 410 sprint car.
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 @RicoAbreu24.
VIDEO: Be sure to check out http://www.youtube.com/ricoabreuracing for video of Rico, as content is constantly being uploaded!