Rico Abreu, a development driver for Chip Ganassi Racing who is transitioning from sprint cars to NASCAR, paid his first visit to victory lane Saturday night.
4-foot-4 Rico Abreu wins 1st NASCAR race
The sprint car standout won in his seventh race in a stock car.
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Making just his seventh start in a stock car, Abreu won the K&N East Series -- a NASCAR developmental division -- race at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway.
What a awesome night for my @TeamHSMJM 98 team! Another one of those moments I will cherish forever #thankful #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/MVXeDXc88K
— Rico Abreu (@Rico_Abreu) July 5, 2015 The win was notable for several reasons. The 4-foot-4 Abreu was born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that is the most common cause of dwarfism. As such, the 23-year-old must make special accommodations inside the drivers’ cockpit. He uses foot blocks to extend the accelerator and brake so that he can reach them and his seat is set closer to the steering column.
Yes yes yes!!!!! Way to go @Rico_Abreu so pumped for your first stock car win!! I knew you could do it. Awesome.
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) July 5, 2015 Despite his small size, Abreu is regarded as one of the top sprint car drivers in the county. Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson, who’s played a prominent role in Abreu’s switch to NASCAR, have frequently lauded Abreu’s talent. He is the defending USAC Midget Series champion and won the Chili Bowl Nationals in January.
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