Rico Abreu went back-to-back in the Chili Bowl, winning one of the most prestigious Midget Car races in the country for the second consecutive year.
Abreu — who on Friday announced his full-time ride with ThorSport Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series — began his ascent into NASCAR with his 2015 win, and he repeated the feat this year in a championship race that started Saturday night and ended after midnight. It was the 30th annual running of the race.
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Abreu took the lead with less than 10 laps remaining in the 55-lap event and powered to victory in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Much to the delight of the crowd, Abreu celebrated by climbing the fence and turning donuts.
#ChiliBowl: @Rico_Abreu climbed the fence to a loud roar from the crowd. pic.twitter.com/UmsMNIlCno
— Speed51.com (@speed51dotcom) January 17, 2016
@Rico_Abreu wins 30th Annual @cbnationals presented @GeneralTire #BacktoBack @KeithKunz @ToyotaRacing #Wheelman pic.twitter.com/uBwZpZ4RMi
— Dave J Biro III (@db3imaging) January 17, 2016
Bryan Clauson finished second, followed by Zach Daum, Jerry Coons Jr. and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Larson.
A huge congratulations to Rico on his back to back Chili Bowl wins!! pic.twitter.com/TWDfHXnRc0
— LifeAboveTheCushion (@AboveTheCushion) January 17, 2016
The Chili Bowl is a week long event with five days of practice and qualifying events to set the 25-car field for the A-Main, which is the championship race.
Saturday started with two N-Feature races — the top four finishers from each advance to the M-Feature races. The format was used all the way up to the A-Main, making for a long (and exciting) day of racing.
Roush Fenway Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won his B-Main Feature to transfer into the championship race. Larson also earned a spot in the main event with a top showing in his B-Feature race.
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne qualified for the main event prior to Saturday, adding his name to the mix of NASCAR racers.
Christopher Bell, who has a full-time ride with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2016, finished 12th. Kahne took 13th with Stenhouse finishing in 17th after a late wreck with Sammy Swindell sent him back in the pack.
Reaction to Abreu’s win was quick to pour in:
Congrats @Rico_Abreu #ChiliBowl2016
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 17, 2016
Such a neat guy. Way to go @Rico_Abreu!!!! 2X
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) January 17, 2016
RICO!!!
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) January 17, 2016
@@Rico_Abreu what an awesome drive tonight. Looking forward to having you as a teammate. #wheelman
— Matt Crafton (@Matt_Crafton) January 17, 2016
Nice work @Rico_Abreu! Awesome victory cyclone as well.
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) January 17, 2016
Rico! Chili bowl champ congrats @Rico_Abreu back to back!
— Brad Sweet (@BradSweet49) January 17, 2016