News Director 
Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / RICO ABREU RACING – LAS VEGAS, NV – Rico Abreu’s two-day visit to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas (Nev.) with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series resulted in frustration.
The St. Helena, Calif., native qualified for each of the 30-lap, $10,000-to-win programs contested, but was forced to retire early from the first on Wednesday, February 28; the result of mechanical failure in the form of a flat right-rear tire on lap 12, also damaging other components including the drivetrain.
On Thursday, March 1, the bad luck and frustration continued, only this time in the form of contact with another competitor while battling for a potential top-ten position. Abreu was as high as 11th in the running order before the contact was made on lap 17, ultimately bringing out a caution flag and forcing the pilot of the familiar No. 24 to restart at the back of the running order. After a last-ditch effort, Abreu was able to recover slightly and finish 16th; he started 17th.
“I think the part that frustrates me the most is that we showed speed on both nights,” Rico Abreu, pilot of the Abreu Vineyards/Lucas Oil/Rhino Wipe/Alpinestars/No. 24 sprint car, said. “The best cars and drivers in the country were in Las Vegas, so to qualify and be in the mix on both nights says a lot about our potential.”
Abreu qualified for each of the World of Outlaws main events by finishing fifth during his respective heat races. Of the 44 entries signed-in for competition on each evening, Abreu qualified 12th and ninth, respectively, during his group qualifying efforts.
“My car felt really balanced all weekend,” Abreu continued. “I wasn’t the happiest about our results, obviously, but I’m thrilled about our team’s communication and determination.”
