Photo by Steven Cox
St. Helena, California youngster Rico Abreu scores big at home track with “Tribute to Gary Patterson” triumph at Calistoga Speedway for 2nd career KWS Series win
By Gary Thomas
Calistoga, CA – May 27, 2012…In the 29-year history of the “Tribute to Gary Patterson” there had been only one local winner of the event, with that coming in 2004 when Santa Rosa, CA’s Sparky Howard raced an emotional victory.
That all changed on Sunday evening however, as 20-year-old St. Helena resident Rico Abreu dominated the 25-lap “Tribute to GP” and scored an immensely popular win in front of his home track crowd at the Calistoga Speedway.
For Abreu it came in amazingly just his second ever start at the famed half-mile and was also on the one-year anniversary of his initial outing at the Calistoga Speedway. “It’s really awesome to come out here at my home track and win a race at Calistoga,” said Abreu. “I couldn’t be more pumped right now to be in victory lane with all my friends and family, so this is really special.”
The talented second-year sprint car driver competed with the USAC National Midget Series on Saturday in Indiana, before flying home to be in action with the Cancen Oil King of the West Series presented by Goodyear on Sunday. Abreu was also fresh off his first ever KWS unlimited 410 win just two-weeks prior in Tulare at the Thunderbowl Raceway.
On Sunday night Abreu won the KSE Racing Products Dash for the second time this season to earn the pole position in the feature, starting alongside Grass Valley’s Jason Statler in the 25-lap “Tribute to Gary Patterson.”
At the waving of the green flag Abreu rocketed into the lead, but things would come to a grinding halt after one-lap was completed when Tim Kaeding and Jonathan Allard got upside down in the second corner to bring out a red flag. Kaeding’s machine had severe damage and was done for the night, but Allard was able to make repairs and rejoin the field.
The ensuing double-file restart saw Abreu get a big jump on the field and it took him no time at all to distance himself from the other competitors. He would handle the field with ease over the duration of the 25-lapper and even opened up a half-lap lead at one point. With Abreu out front by a large margin the battle for second, third and fourth heated up just past the halfway point.
Placerville’s Andy Gregg had a strong night going and closed in on Statler for the runner up spot around lap 15. Gregg however, had to deal with a fast moving Willie Croft and on lap 18 the driver known as “Double Down” shot by to put the Holey Smokes BBQ No. 29 into third. The Sacramento competitor then charged after Statler and with 21-laps in books carved his way into second.
Just as Abreu appeared headed for the checkered flag, the yellow lights flashed on for Allard, who had slowed in turns three and four. The upcoming double-file restart didn’t faze Abreu though and he scooted away once again to cross the checkered by two seconds, with the crowd coming to their feet in a frenzy.
Abreu proceeded to spin some donuts on the front stretch and then climb atop his Abreu Vineyards No. 89 mount in celebration, as numerous people gathered at the car. “I really have to thank Clarke Riolo, Skippy and my whole crew for giving me a great car tonight,” he said. “This thing was perfect in the feature and I just drove my own race.”
Making a great move and carving his way into second during the green-white-checkered restart was Gregg in the Guts Racing Inc. No. 53 sprinter. It capped off a solid weekend for the likable driver and marked his career best 410 Sprint Car finish at the Calistoga Speedway. It was also a season-best effort with KWS for Gregg.
Rounding out the podium and scoring a third place finish for the second night in a row was Croft, who put together a very strong weekend of racing at Calistoga. The former Mini Gold Cup winner looked very impressive both nights and will look to carry that into the Kings Speedway this weekend.
Coming home in fourth and finishing up a consistent weekend was Campbell’s Bud Kaeding aboard the Brian Matherly owned No. 19 mount. Rounding out the top-five and also having a good weekend was Jason Statler in DF Rios Motorsports No. 00 machine. It was nice to see the “Big Guy” in the top-five both nights.
Completing the top-10 were Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan, Campbell’s Brent Kaeding, Fresno’s Craig Stidham, Allard and Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs. The KSE Dash as previously mentioned went to Rico Abreu, with the three Kaeding Performance heats going to Tim Kaeding, Croft and Gregg. “TK” set the BR Motorsports Fast Time for the second consecutive night, stopping the clocks at 17.180 around the half-mile.
The Cancen Oil King of the West Sprint Car Series presented by Goodyear will be right back in action this Saturday night June 2 at the Kings Speedway in Hanford for the annual “Pombo/Sargent Classic.”
Don't forget to “like” the Cancen Oil King of the West Series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kingofthewestsprints and follow us on Twitter @kwssprintracing for the most timely and up to date information on the series.
Also check out our official website, which is under construction at http://www.kwssprints.com for the latest news, results, history and more on the Cancen Oil King of the West 410 Sprint Cars presented by Goodyear.
- Gary Thomas on May 28, 2012
- Article Date: 5/28/2012 by Gary Thomas