From Peterson Media
Coming off of his first win of the 2013 season just one week ago, Rico Abreu found himself on the podium two more times this past weekend as he scored a third place finish on Friday night in Chico, CA before a second on Saturday night in Antioch, CA.
Saturday night at the Antioch Speedway in Antioch, CA, Abreu and his Abreu Vineyards Racing team were on hand for the 2013 King of the West season opener.
With 30 cars on hand, Abreu timed his Abreu Vineyards/ButlerBuilt/FK Rod Ends machine in in the ever important fourth spot, putting him in the dash, if he transferred through his heat.
Starting fourth in his heat, the Rutherford, CA charger was able to pick up one position, and finish third, putting him in the feature, and also in the dash per his qualifying lap.
As luck would have it, Abreu would hang on to this envelope during the ‘grudge draw’, and ended up with the No.1 and started on the front row of the six-lap shootout.
Sharing the front row with Willie Croft, Abreu slipped to second in the first turn, but answered back, exiting turn two and took the lead down the back stretch.
Hanging on for the win, Abreu would lead the field to green for the 30-lap contest.
The first start was negated by a caution, and the second start was waived off as officials deemed Abreu took off too early, to much of the crowds disapproval.
Starting the race in the second row, Abreu wasted no time clearing Bobby McMahan for the second spot, as he set his sights on Willie Croft.
With the track right around the bottom, passing was at a premium, and as cautions fell just as the leaders got to traffic, Abreu was held at bay in the second spot.
“As racers we try to push the envelope, but I 100% disagree with the call,” Abreu said. “This was one of those races where whoever got into turn one first was most likely going to win the race. We had a good car, it’s just disappointing, but I do want to congratulate Willie Croft on his win.”
Friday night, Abreu was in action at the Silver Dollar Speedway, where he didn’t quite get off to the start he had hoped.
Timing in 14th quickest, Abreu rebounded to win his heat from the front row, before starting the feature event from the 11th spot.
With the race being marred by early cautions before getting a lap in, Abreu had already gained four positions.
Being one of the few cars to pass, Abreu was able to work his way up to a third place finish on what was a fairly slick, and narrow, track.
Rico and his team would like to thank Abreu Vineyards, ButlerBuilt, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld, Keith Kunz Motorsports, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, and Factory Kahne Shocks for their support.
2013 BY THE NUMBERS: Starts-26, Wins-1, Top 5’s-5, Top 10’s-10
ON TAP: Rico and his Abreu Vineyards Racing team will be in action on Friday night at the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, CA before taking on the King of the West Series in their second event at the Placerville Speedway on Saturday night.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with Rico by visiting his website at www.ricoabreuracing.com, ‘liking’ him on facebook at www.facebook.com/
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