NASCAR News and Rumors: Rico Abreu Joins Thorsport Racing
Rico Abreu just won another Chili Bowl. But his hot start this year is far from over with the news that he will finally be riding in a major series for NASCAR.
Reports are coming in that the pint-sized Abreu has been signed to drive the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Toyota for the 2016 Camping World Truck Series, wherein he will be working with veteran and well-experienced crew chief Doug George.
ThorSport Racing is actually the longest-running truck team in NASCAR. It is owned by Duke Thorson and is based in Sandusky, Ohio. This team has the distinction of being a winner of back-to-back truck drivers' titles back in 2013 and 2014. Those wins were made possible by veteran driver Matt Crafton. Quite interestingly, Crafton is looked upon as someone who eventually will be mentoring and training the 23-year-old Abreu.
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Abreu is certainly elated with the news of his transfer to the big races. "It's an honor to be driving for ThorSport Racing, Duke," he said. He likewise added that it was very challenging to keep it a secret, but recognizing it'll eventually come out.
Although he's been racing all his life, Abreu should be looking at himself as a novice in stock-car racing. The California-based professional racer got one win and four separate top 5 finishes last year. He finished his very first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season where he came in fifth in the points standing.
He then made a not-so-successful debut in the Truck Series in November at the Phoenix International Raceway. After getting caught in the middle of a race wreck, he no longer could catch up with the rest, in the process finishing in the 28th position.
He obtained the eligibility he needed to be qualified for the 2016 season by competing in the 2015 truck finale held at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. He finished that one at 13th place.
