In a major Tony Stewart Racing announcement, the team revealed on September 17, 2025, that Rico Abreu will join as a full-time driver for the 2026 season. Abreu is set to drive the No. 24 winged sprint car throughout the Kubota High Limit Racing Series, along with appearances at high-profile sprint car events such as the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway and the Knoxville Nationals in Iowa.
Rico Abreu’s Full-Time Role at Tony Stewart Racing
This announcement marks a strategic move for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), as they bring Rico Abreu into their competitive stable to drive in the High Limit Racing series. The deal leverages the franchise currently held by Rico Abreu Racing, with consent from High Limit Racing to lease the franchise to TSR. The synergy reflects both business acumen and mutual respect between the organizations.
Tony Stewart, co-owner and a legend in motorsports, expressed his admiration for Abreu’s capabilities and character, highlighting his skills on track and his reputation off it. Stewart’s enthusiasm for this collaboration was clear:
“Rico has proven to be a tremendous talent behind the wheel, but also a great ambassador for the sport…Rico and I have been good friends for a long time, and I’ve always admired the way he races. He competes with passion, and he is the gold standard for the way he represents his partners and the sport. Rico is the complete package, and we’re genuinely excited to have him join our program.”
— Tony Stewart, Co-Owner, Tony Stewart Racing
Abreu, currently leading the High Limit Racing championship with nine victories this season, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity. Driving for Tony Stewart Racing fulfills a lifelong ambition for the young driver, and he considers Stewart both a friend and mentor.
“Driving for Tony Stewart Racing is a dream come true. Tony has built one of the most respected programs in all of racing, and having the chance to represent TSR feels like a huge reward. Tony has been a friend and mentor to me for many years, and to go racing with him in High Limit Racing is a surreal opportunity that I’m excited to begin.”
— Rico Abreu, Driver
The Legacy of TSR’s Partnerships in Sprint Car Racing
TSR’s reputation as a powerhouse in motorsports is built on long-standing partnerships and consistent success. Since teaming up with Curb-Agajanian Racing in 2010, TSR’s legacy has grown, with their collaboration resulting in multiple major titles, such as seven Knoxville Nationals victories and six World of Outlaws championships. As co-entrants and partners, they have supported elite sprint car drivers, including Donny Schatz, and continue to set a high bar within the sport.
Bringing Rico Abreu into TSR continues this tradition, strengthening their lineup with a driver whose current-season form and leadership could play a pivotal role in future campaigns. Abreu’s competitive achievements—a strong presence in championships and major sprint car events—promise to enhance the team’s ambitions in the coming season.
Tony Stewart Shares Gratitude After NHRA Nationals Crash
Only days before the team’s major announcement, Tony Stewart experienced a harrowing incident at the NHRA Reading Nationals on September 14, 2025, at Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania. The crash unfolded when Doug Kalitta’s dragster suffered a major tire failure at speeds exceeding 335 mph, resulting in a violent collision with Stewart’s vehicle. The impact caused Stewart’s car to flip and hit the guard wall, briefly leaving him unconscious.
After medical intervention by NHRA personnel, Stewart was cleared with a severe headache and injuries to his left hand. In a message to fans and the racing community, Stewart acknowledged the gravity of the incident and expressed deep gratitude to the NHRA Safety Safari and medical staff:
“I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday. Wasn’t the day we had planned, but thankful to the @NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation. It definitely could have been way worse. Everyone that climbs into a racecar knows it can happen at any moment, but it’s a great example of how we’re all human and how the entire racing community cares for each other. I’m sore today, but that’s to be expected. Can’t wait to get back to the track Friday and continue this amazing battle for a World Championship.”
— Tony Stewart, Co-Owner, Tony Stewart Racing
Stewart’s response highlights the unity of the motorsports world in moments of crisis, as well as the effectiveness of advanced safety measures that protected him and other drivers from potentially life-threatening harm. He emphasized his eagerness to return to the competition and continue pursuing the championship.
Looking Ahead to 2026 for Tony Stewart Racing
The addition of Rico Abreu to the Tony Stewart Racing roster stands out as a major step for the team’s future efforts in the High Limit Racing Series and select headline events. Stewart and Abreu’s close friendship and mutual respect are likely to foster a strong working dynamic, further strengthened by TSR’s legacy of championship partnerships like that with Curb-Agajanian Racing.
This Tony Stewart Racing announcement energizes both fans and participants in the sprint car world, creating excitement for the 2026 season and setting the stage for strong performances in elite competitions such as the Knoxville Nationals and Kings Royal. With Abreu’s talent, the team’s rich history of success, and the industry’s ongoing commitment to safety, Tony Stewart Racing is well positioned for another memorable chapter in American motorsports.
🚨🚨TONY STEWART/CURB-AGAJANIAN RACING 2026 NEWS 🚨🚨
Welcome to TSR, @Rico_Abreu & welcome back, @TrickRicky717
Rico Abreu To Drive for Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing Beginning In 2026 pic.twitter.com/5dc6w6hTTZ
— Tony Stewart Racing (@TonyStewart_Rcg) September 17, 2025
