Rico Abreu secured a historic High Limit Racing championship, giving Tony Stewart another reason to be proud of the driver he has backed. For Stewart, however, Abreu’s success goes beyond what he delivers on the track.
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“I wish I was as good with people as he is, and I just can’t do it,” Stewart told FloRacing in a post-race interview posted on their X account. “But he’s so spectacular when it comes to dealing with everybody, and he’s just forward-thinking all the time. He’s one of these guys that doesn’t just show up at the racetrack, get behind the wheel, and drive the car.
“He’s always thinking outside the box: how can we do things differently, how can we do it better? And he’s just well-rounded. So, you know, he’s the dream driver that you want to have because it’s not just about what happens at the racetrack; it’s what happens, you know, Sunday through Friday when you get to the racetrack.”
Interestingly, Stewart had recognized those qualities before Abreu joined his team. When their partnership was announced in September 2025, he praised Abreu’s understanding of ownership, sponsorship, and the responsibilities beyond driving.
“To have someone mindful of that, while also being as talented as he is behind the wheel, it’s a big aspect in what has made TSR successful, and Rico fits that mold,” Stewart said back in 2025.
That confidence in Abreu’s judgment would carry into their first championship-deciding weekend together.
Rico Abreu entered the October 16-17 championship weekend at Texas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track with a 45-point lead over Giovanni Scelzi. Driving TSR’s No. 24, he was pursuing a second consecutive title, while Scelzi remained in contention in the Spire Motorsports No. 77.
Scelzi narrowed that advantage on Friday, charging from seventh to win the opening feature as Abreu finished third. The result cut Abreu’s lead to 36 points heading into Saturday’s 30-lap finale, keeping the championship fight alive for one more night.
For Abreu, the task was to protect that lead without losing sight of the race ahead. As he and Scelzi battled for victory in the closing laps, he had a championship to consider as well.
Abreu briefly moved ahead on lap 29, but Scelzi reclaimed the lead and won by 0.202 seconds. Second place was enough for Abreu to secure his second consecutive High Limit Racing championship and his first with Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing.
Although Abreu missed out on the race victory by a narrow margin, the championship gave him a different reason to celebrate. Winning the feature would have added another achievement to his season, but securing the title was the bigger objective.
Tony Stewart was particularly proud of how Abreu approached that situation. Rather than judge the night solely by the checkered flag, he recognized the importance of the decision-making that helped his driver secure the championship.
“I think he was good enough to win the race, but instead of trying to win the battle, he was trying to win the war,” Stewart said. “He played it smart, and that’s how you win championships. I’m just really, really proud of him and this entire team.”
For Stewart, that judgment was another example of what makes Abreu valuable. A driver’s contribution cannot always be measured by race wins alone, especially when a season-long title is at stake. Understanding the bigger picture and making decisions with the championship in mind can be just as important as having the speed to compete at the front.
The title also reflected the work Abreu has put into organizing the team behind him.
“He’s [Rico Abreu] done such a great job of organizing this team, managing this team,” Stewart praised his ability to manage the group. “He doesn’t need the pressure from me by any means. I get to just sit in the background and just enjoy what they’re doing between him and Ricky and Zach and Brady and Todd.
“I mean, they just work so well together and so efficiently together. It’s just kind of like a wind-up toy. You wind it up, and you sit it down, and you just let them do what they do. I’m really proud of him tonight.”
Keeping a racing program working toward a common objective requires people to understand their roles and communicate effectively. Stewart’s remarks highlight his confidence in the structure Abreu has helped establish and the group’s ability to manage its work together.
For an owner, being able to rely on a driver to contribute to the wider operation can make the relationship considerably more valuable.
Tony Stewart Reflects on His Relationship With Rico Abreu Beyond the Track
The connection between Tony Stewart and Rico Abreu goes back 13 years, when the two met at the 2012 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. Their relationship has developed over time, adding a personal dimension to their success together at Tony Stewart Racing.
“And, you know, it’s not just a driver and owner relationship. We’re really good friends, and that’s what makes this even more special,” Stewart said.
Their friendship gives the championship a significance beyond another title for the team. Stewart is celebrating the achievement of someone he has known for years, while also recognizing the qualities that have made Abreu such an important part of his racing program.
For the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Abreu is not simply a driver who delivers results. He is a trusted team leader and a longtime friend whose strengths extend well beyond racing.