Kyle Larson’s sprint car racing series, High Limit, is all set for its first-ever international event at the Perth Motorplex in Australia. There was a lot of excitement and anticipation for the event, particularly to see Larson and his long-time rival Rico Abreu battle it out on the dirt track. With close to 40 drivers expected to turn up for the event, this event is expected to lure in massive crowds and viewership on Flo Racing.

Although fans will be able to relish the sight of NASCAR star Kyle Larson competing against drivers on the dirt track, he won’t be able to battle against Abreu. The former USAC Nationals Midget Series winner has decided to withdraw from the lineup after suffering a serious wrist injury. Abreu did explore all possible options to brave through the pain and compete at the race in Perth, but he’s now decided to go for surgery instead and recover before the season kicks off.

Rico Abreu took to social media and shared the update with his fans. “I’m incredibly gutted to let everyone know I will not be racing Western Australia Speedweek. I hurt my wrist, and the injury requires surgery. I’ve gone back and forth on how to handle this situation. Trying to race with severely weak grip strength and mobility will put my fellow racers in danger if I can’t react properly. Getting my wrist fixed is my top priority so I can be ready by March in Vegas.

“I’ve never dealt with something like this in my career. I feel like I’m letting my team, my fans, and the whole Australian effort we’ve created for this team down… It’s an unfortunate situation but it’s one I have to fix. My head wants to hang but I’m gonna hold it high and understand something you have to wear and deal with it.” Abreu shared this on X.

As soon as the fans learned about Abreu’s injury news, they were quick to back him up with messages and wishes to come back stronger than ever with his recovery.

Fans rally in support of Rico Abreu

Abreu is unlike any other race car driver; his rise as one of the seasoned sprint car racers is indeed an inspirational story. He was born with a genetic disorder, achondroplasia, which stunted his growth, but he didn’t restrict himself despite being challenged physically. He’s won multiple race events and championships and managed to forged a rivalry with Kyle Larson. This incident where he injured his wrist wasn’t exactly in his control. Therefore, reacting to this update, this emphatic race fan wrote, “Prayers for a speedy recovery!”

Abreu will have a good 3 months of rest if he undergoes surgery and gets into recovery mode. The first race of the season is scheduled for March in Vegas, and who knows, he would’ve further worsened his injury with a decision to race in Australia. Backing his decision to take a sabbatical, this fan replied, “Good decisions can be hard! But it makes sense to be smart and think of others! Good move and Merry Christmas. See you at port👍”

Now Abreu had released a funny video recently on X where he was tussling with a dummy crocodile. It was nothing but banter and good fun. It’s hard to know if the driver sustained the injury while shooting that video, but this race fan believed it had something to do with his injury. “That’s terrible! It was wrestling that gator wasn’t it??”

Thanks to his exploits on and off the racetrack, Abreu has garnered support from fans not just in America but internationally. Many of them were excited to see their favorite star trade blows against some of the best dirt racers in their home country. However, with the injury, the fans won’t be able to catch Abreu in action. Reacting to his news, a dejected fan added, “Gutted man. Was so pumped to see you here in Perth but ah well! All the best in the recovery!”

Abreu and his team had everything in place, prepared and ready to roll out at the Perth Motorplex. Which is why this untimely injury is proving to be a huge disappointment for the driver. But the fans didn’t let his spirits down and prayed for his successful surgery and recovery so that he could be back behind the wheels. “I’m so sorry to hear about your injury. You don’t owe anyone an apology. S–t happens. The important thing is that your surgery goes well and you have a successful speedy recovery. 💕🙏💕🙏.”

Although Rico Abreu made the wise call in going for the surgery over the High Limit event, he will be against the clock to heal and be ready for the season opener in March.