PETERSEN MEDIA: During his first trip to the Placerville Speedway on Saturday night, Rico Abreu continued to do what he’s done all year, impress. Though his night ended with a parts malfunction causing him to crash, Abreu simply put on a show for the packed grandstands during the Civil War Series finale.
The night started off with Rico timing in his Abreu Vineyards/Kaeding Perfomance/Maxim with the 29th quickest lap of the 35 cars gathered in the pits.
The qualifying time put the rookie driver in the fourth row of the third heat. Rico’s first race experience on the high banked ¼ mile oval was impressive as he quickly charged his way into the fourth and final transfer spot as he fended off Alissa Geving and Greg DeCaires to earn the transfer position into the feature event.
Rico lined his Stadlehofer Construction/Factory Kahne Shocks/Sprint Car Innovations entry up in the 20th position for the 30 lap feature event.
In what was a wild series of events, not a single lap was completed before officials opened a red flag up for crews to re fuel.
Once underway, Abreu quickly adapted to the tricky Placerville Speedway as he was able to run the cushion and the bottom to perfection as he weaved through traffic.
By the tenth circuit, Rico had worked his way up to the ninth position when the caution flew as he was in a heated battle with Sean Becker and Billy Butler.
Two laps later, the caution flew as the second and third place cars collided, and simultaneously a pair of other front runners pulled to the work area moving Abreu up to the fifth position.
As the race got back underway, the St. Helena native made quick work of Butler, and began to pressure Sean Becker for the third position.
The duo continued to battle for the next 12 circuits, as they raced side by side. Abreu had a strong run going on the veteran, until something visibly broke on the youngsters car, as his car jolted to the right out of turn two, leading to a front flip off the back stretch with just five laps remaining.
Rico’s effort wouldn’t go unnoticed, but he was credited with a 16th place finish.
“It just sucks that had to happen with five to go,” said Rico. “My guys gave me an awesome car tonight and we were going forward nicely. This place was a blast to race at and I can’t wait to get back here.”
Abreu would like to thank Abreu Vineyards, Kaeding Performance, Stadlehofer Construction, Factory Kahne Shocks, Sprint Car Innovations, Santomauro Racing Products, and Swift Metal Finishing.
ON TAP: Rico and his team will now set their sites on the Silver Dollar Speedway as he will compete in the Fall Nationals on Friday September 30.
STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with Rico by visiting his website at www.ricoabreuracing.com, ‘liking’ him on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PetersenMedia#!/pages/Rico-Abreu/210823515602256, or following him on twitter @RicoAbreu24.
MERCH: Don’t forget to stop by and visit with Rico after the races and pick up a 2011 Rico Abreu T-shirt!
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- Petersen Media on Sep 25, 2011
- Article Date: 9/25/2011