To those that know each, a partnership between Rico Abreu and Tony Stewart appeared inevitable, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a little bit of a shock given all of the transferring elements that have been required earlier than making it a actuality.
There are such a lot of headlines to emphasise with this announcement.
- Rico Abreu will drive for Tony Stewart Racing subsequent season
- Tony Stewart Racing will transfer from World of Outlaws to Excessive Restrict
- RAR’s infrastructure will turn into the brand new TSR
- TSR is leasing the RAR Excessive Restrict constitution (franchise)
However past the headlines, that is concerning the end result of 13 years’ value of friendship between Abreu and Stewart, and two events that convey one thing the opposite doesn’t at present have.
It’s about need and never want.
Within the aftermath of TSR parting methods with the legendary Donny Schatz, Stewart wished a driver and somebody to really justify the continued existence of this system. Abreu is an excellent marketer that has methodically constructed a staff that’s on the verge of successful Excessive Restrict championships.
Abreu might use a basis that permits him to focus extra on race craft and fewer on useful resource acquisition. Stewart has built-in companions and simply wished a driver that might slide into the championship successful, crown jewel contending legacy established by Schatz.
How this deal got here collectively
To have two actually shut pals be capable to convey these issues to one another makes it all of the sweeter.
“Over the past decade or so of friendship, Tony and I’d speak about discovering a technique to do one thing collectively,” Abreu advised Motorsport earlier than the announcement. “We’ve thrown quite a bit on the wall through the years nevertheless it was all the time if I discovered the funding or if he began a second full-time staff. Then it was difficult as a result of we each had groups with extremely established identities.”
Abreu mentioned he made the decision first.
“I referred to as him and ran the concept by him that we might convey my total staff with me and run it below the TSR banner,” Abreu mentioned. “I confirmed him my infrastructure. I pitched him on how the character of TSR and Rico Abreu Racing might work collectively. He mentioned he would give it some thought.”
After which he referred to as again and the main points have been sorted out.
“For me, it’s simply the possibility to race for championships and crown jewels with one of the vital profitable groups within the trendy historical past of the game,” Abreu mentioned. “It’s about having all of the sources and to get the job finished behind the wheel.”
Whereas TSR will retain a few of its infrastructure, Abreu will convey over crew chief Ricky Warner, who spearheaded 10 World of Outlaws championships and 10 Knoxville Nationals with Schatz earlier than becoming a member of RAR in 2022.
Automotive chief Zack Middlebrooks and tire specialist Brady Forbrook may even make the bounce to the new-look TSR, which can now be branded No. 24, which was the topic of some back-and-forth.
Tony Stewart
Stewart wished his trademark No. 14 whereas Abreu felt like a lot of his id was tied into the No. 24. So as a substitute, it is going to be a No. 24 however in a well-known Smoke font.
The timing is fascinating as a result of Abreu is the present Excessive Restrict driver and proprietor’s championship chief. He has received 9 races on the tour and 16 general Winged 410 victories in 56 begins.
It is a profession season for Abreu and the case might be made that he doesn’t need to be a part of forces with Stewart. To wit, the Abreu and Stewart partnership can be about Excessive Restrict and the large image objectives for these two figures into what that sanctioning physique is working in the direction of.
“You go searching on the rising panorama of Dash Automotive racing and Excessive Restrict and the affect potential is large,” Abreu mentioned. “You have a look at what Excessive Restrict, Brad and Kyle, Mark Floreani have constructed and the worth of being aside of that is beginning to turn into. Like, a franchise might be about to turn into obtainable and what that’s value because of the assured income constructed into it.
“And that’s the opposite cool factor about us racing for the championship this 12 months, racing to turn into the highest seeded franchise and the worth that comes with that. I’m actually proud to be part of this and to see Tony Stewart Racing turn into part of this too.”
However once more, above all else, Abreu has lengthy wished to work with Stewart because the end result of a friendship that began on the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in 2012.
“Individuals see the opposite facet of Tony Stewart,” Abreu mentioned. “The a part of him that could be a gruff onerous ass however all I’ve ever seen from Tony is kindness. Somebody stored breaking into our store and Tony advised me to come back over and work out of his place and I used to be reluctant to at first.
“My dad all the time taught me to be actually impartial, to not count on somebody to do one thing for you, however I discovered how real Tony was. I ended staying at Tony’s place like 5 years in a row. I discovered quite a bit about Tony throughout that stretch.
“He all the time handled me respect. He revered me as a racer. I haven’t all the time had confidence, as a little bit particular person, believing that I slot in right here however he all the time made me really feel like I belonged. I discovered quite a bit about management from Tony. And above all else, once we received finished doing (Dale Jr. Obtain), I simply despatched him a thanks textual content for all of that as a result of I don’t know that I’d have made it with out folks like him who made me really feel welcome right here within the first place.”
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