Rico Abreu’s long friendship with Tony Stewart has turned into a full racing alliance, uniting two of Sprint Car racing’s most recognizable names. After more than a decade of mutual respect and conversations, the move finally came together with Abreu bringing his winning team to Stewart’s operation. It’s a deal built on shared history, competitive goals, and a vision for the future of High Limit Sprint Car racing. What began as friendship at the Chili Bowl in 2012 now becomes a major force in the sport.
Key Highlights
- Rico Abreu merges his successful team with Tony Stewart Racing to compete under the TSR banner as the No. 24 car.
- The partnership follows 13 years of friendship and mutual admiration between Abreu and Stewart.
- Crew chief Ricky Warner, car chief Zack Middlebrooks, and tire specialist Brady Forbrook will join Abreu at TSR.
- Abreu leads the High Limit driver and owner championships with nine tour wins and 16 total Winged 410 victories in 56 starts.
- The alliance positions both parties for future High Limit franchise opportunities and championship runs.
A Friendship Years in the Making
The partnership reflects more than simple strategy. Abreu and Stewart built their bond over years of late-night conversations and mutual respect.
“Over the last decade or so of friendship, Tony and I would talk about finding a way to do something together.” – Rico Abreu
Abreu explained that earlier plans often stalled due to funding or established team identities. When Abreu finally proposed merging his team with TSR, Stewart quickly came around.
“I called him and ran the idea by him that we could bring my entire team with me and run it under the TSR banner.” – Rico Abreu
That call set the move in motion, giving Abreu the chance to compete for championships with one of the sport’s most decorated organizations.
Strengthening Both Teams
Tony Stewart Racing needed a driver who could carry on its winning legacy after parting ways with Donny Schatz. Abreu’s marketing acumen and competitive fire made him the perfect fit. Stewart provides the infrastructure and sponsorship muscle to help Abreu focus on race craft rather than logistics.
“For me, it’s just the chance to race for championships and crown jewels with one of the most successful teams in the modern history of the sport.” – Rico Abreu
The No. 24 will remain part of Abreu’s identity, though it will feature Stewart’s familiar Smoke font. TSR will also benefit from Abreu’s proven team members, including Ricky Warner, a crew chief with 10 World of Outlaws titles and 10 Knoxville Nationals wins.
High Limit Impact and Future Goals
Abreu enters this new era during a career-best season. He leads the High Limit driver and owner standings and has nine victories on that tour alone. The collaboration with Stewart comes as High Limit grows into a significant national series with the potential for franchise-style teams.
“You look around at the growing landscape of Sprint Car racing and High Limit and the impact potential is huge.” – Rico Abreu
Abreu sees the alliance as both a competitive advantage and a business opportunity, positioning TSR for a possible High Limit franchise and the guaranteed revenue that could follow.
“I’m really proud to be a part of this and to see Tony Stewart Racing become a part of this too.” – Rico Abreu
Mutual Respect and Shared History
The partnership carries personal meaning for Abreu, who credits Stewart for guidance and friendship throughout his career.
“People see the other side of Tony Stewart, the part of him that is a gruff hard ass but all I’ve ever seen from Tony is kindness.” – Rico Abreu
Abreu recalled how Stewart opened his shop to him during difficult times.
“Someone kept breaking into our shop and Tony told me to come over and work out of his place and I was reluctant to at first.” – Rico Abreu
That trust shaped Abreu’s confidence and leadership.
“I haven’t always had confidence, as a little person, believing that I fit in here but he always made me feel like I belonged.” – Rico Abreu
The friendship that started at the Chili Bowl more than a decade ago now fuels a professional relationship with championship potential.
News in Brief: Rico Abreu and Tony Stewart Form Sprint Car Superteam
Rico Abreu will join Tony Stewart Racing, merging his team and key crew members into a new No. 24 entry under the TSR banner. The move caps a 13-year friendship between Abreu and Stewart, combining Stewart’s resources with Abreu’s High Limit championship-leading program. Abreu brings crew chief Ricky Warner and other key personnel while continuing his standout 2024 season with nine High Limit victories. This alliance strengthens TSR’s competitive future and deepens its role in High Limit’s growth.
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