Abreu qualifies for Chili Bowl final with A Main win
Wednesday, 10 January 2018
By Robin Miller / Images by Boyd Adams
Two-time Chili Bowl king Rico Abreu made quick work of the competition on Wednesday night – leading all 25 laps to take the A Main and slot into Saturday night's main event.
Starting second in the Keith Kunz Spike/Toyota, Abreu pounced on polesitter Tyler Thomas on the opening lap and never relinquished the top spot as he completed a perfect evening at the Tulsa Expo Raceway. The 2015 and 2016 winner also won his heat race and qualifier as 85 cars contested the second of four nights of preliminaries.
This week marks Abreu's first time back in the car since taking a months-long hiatus following a nasty crash in September
at the Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway. His jubilant crew and car owner lifted him onto their shoulders in Victory Lane.
Kevin Thomas Jr. finished second and Thomas held on for third to take the other two transfer spots into Saturday's midget classic.
Five-time winner Sammy Swindell charged from seventh to take fourth and earn a spot up front in one of Saturday's B Mains while USAC sprint champ Chris Windom came home fifth and is also slated for a good staring spot in the B.
Perennial World of Outlaw champ Donny Schatz started 11th but dropped out and will have to come through the C Main.