By T.J. Buffenbarger
It’s been a banner week for Rico Abreu. Victory at the Chili Bowl Nationals followed up by the announcement of a ride in the K&N East Series with HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks for 2015. Abreu was a guest on a NASCAR teleconference on Tuesday to discuss his ride. While much of the discussion was centered on the how he would be fitted in the car and his thoughts on going NASCAR racing, there were a few nuggets of info for open wheel fans.
Abreu plans on around a 120 race schedule in 2015. The focus will be on the K&N east schedule, but will fill the remainder in with Sprint Car and Midget Car races. One conflict that was mentioned was Dover and races at Williams Grove in October, which happens to be National Open weekend. Abreu mentioned that Tony Stewart indicated he would assist in getting Abreu to the Grove on time. So look for Abreu to possibly race the National Open this year.
Abreu also mentioned how racing in NASCAR was not on his radar at all until his success in 2014. Abreu also indicated the timing of the announcement in relation to his Chili Bowl win was coincidental as this was the plan prior to his victory in Tulsa.
“Toward the end of last year the discussion came up and the opportunity was there and I figured, ‘why not?’” said Abreu. “The goal is to finish all the K&N races and be there at the end. If I could win one I’d be in awe.”
As for when his Chili Bowl victory sunk in? Abreu said once he got to the airport the fans wanting photos and autographs was the sign along with his presence being acknowledged on his flight over the loud speaker after landing in Chicago as the winner of the Chili Bowl Nationals.
Its been a wild ride for Rico Abreu that appears to be just the beginning.