2X Chili Bowl Champ Pens a Heartfelt Message as He Takes Home the Penultimate “Career Year” Honor

It has been a year of transformation and success for some drivers and one to forget for others. But it has been a year of redemption for a former 2-time Chili Bowl winner who is closely associated with Kyle Larson. The man in question is none other than sprint car racing driver Rico Abreu. The 31-year-old emerged victorious in several races in the World of Outlaws and the High Limit series. The #24 Rico Abreu Racing crew was named Team of the Year by the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Out of Rico Abreu’s victories in 2023, one of the most impressive was when he won the World of Outlaws race at the iconic Eldora Speedway race in September. The 31-year-old driver picked up a total of 13 sprint car wins in the year, and 3 of them came at Eldora. Abreu also finished second in the High Limit Racing series, just 7 points behind champion Kyle Larson.

Rico Abreu hails his team after his “career year”

The 31-year-old was emotional after the #24 Rico Abreu Racing crew was named Team of the Year by the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. It was a fantastic year for the sprint car racing driver, who will be looking to achieve bigger things in 2024. For now, he can be proud of what he has achieved and celebrate during the holiday season.

Taking to Twitter, Rico Abreu penned a heartfelt message. He credited his team for performing at a high level consistently throughout the year. Ricky Warner was one of the personalities he expressed his gratitude toward. The 31-year-old also spoke about how 2023 could be a career year for him.

“Humbled and proud to be voted the Sprint Car Team of the Year by @sprintcarhof. I was asked a lot about “having a career year”. Our car had speed on bull rings, 1/2 miles, slick tracks, heavy tracks, and everything in between. We would unload and find speed by the end of the night,” the sprint car racer wrote.

“This is a team award. I wanted to do my job as a driver. Zack is down to earth and dedicated to RAR. His passion for racing is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for his commitment to learning every day and allowing RAR to have growth! Brady is the heart of our team, bringing motivation and laughter to everyone. From his strong work ethic to hotel workouts and the pre-race fist bumps lifting my spirits and keeping me going strong,” he added.

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The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame honored several drivers, teams, and even promoters as they revealed the results for the 2023 North American Sprint Car Poll on Friday in a Facebook live event.

Brad Sweet is named ‘Driver of the Year’ after his 5th World of Outlaws title win

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World of Outlaws icon Brad Sweet was one of the drivers honored, as he was named Driver of the Year in the 410 Sprint Car division. The 37-year-old won the World of Outlaws championship for the fifth time in his career this season, driving the #49 Kasey Kahne Racing car. The veteran racer is a deserving winner of the title.

There was something for the youngsters, as well, as 18-year-old Corey Day was given the Wild Card Award. In the 360 Sprint Car category, Jason Martin was named Driver of the Year, and his #36 crew was named Team of the Year. Justin Grant took home the same awards in the non-wing division.

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For avid sprint car racing fans, do you think the awards are well deserved, or did the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame get it wrong? Let us know your thoughts.