Rico Abreu is a famous American professional sprint car and stock car racing driver who has become one of the most celebrated figures in dirt track racing. To most people, he is known for his incredible racing talent and inspirational journey in motorsports despite standing just 4 feet 4 inches tall. The California native gained widespread recognition as the 2014 USAC National Midget Series champion, two-time Chili Bowl winner, and the 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing champion. His remarkable achievements have proven that physical stature presents no barrier to success in professional racing.
Rico Abreu Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Rico Emanuel Abreu |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | January 30, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old (as of December 2025) |
| Place of birth | St. Helena, California, United States |
| Current residence | Rutherford, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Portuguese and Italian |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 4 ft 4 in (132 cm) |
| Weight | 95 lbs (43 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Meagan Droud Abreu (married February 2024) |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
| Father | David Abreu |
| Mother | Christy Abreu |
| Siblings | One brother and one sister |
| Profession | Professional sprint car driver, team owner |
| Net worth | Estimated $1-3 million |
| Social media | Instagram: @rico_abreu (131K followers) |
Who is Rico Abreu?
Rico Emanuel Abreu is a professional American racing driver who competes in sprint car and dirt track racing series. Born on January 30, 1992, in St. Helena, California, Abreu has established himself as one of the most successful and inspiring figures in motorsports. He currently owns and drives for Rico Abreu Racing in the Kubota High Limit Racing series and World of Outlaws competitions.
Abreu was born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that is the most common cause of dwarfism. This condition has never deterred him from pursuing his racing dreams. Instead, he has used his platform to inspire countless individuals worldwide, proving that determination and talent transcend physical limitations.
The racing prodigy comes from a family deeply rooted in California’s Napa Valley wine industry. His father, David Abreu, is a renowned vineyard manager who founded Abreu Vineyards, one of the most prestigious wineries in the region. The family’s involvement in both racing and viticulture has shaped Rico’s multifaceted career.
How old is Rico Abreu? Age & Birthday
Rico Abreu is 32 years old as of December 2025. He was born on January 30, 1992, in St. Helena, California. His zodiac sign is Aquarius, and he celebrates his birthday every year on January 30th.
What is Rico Abreu’s net worth?
As of 2025, Rico Abreu’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $3 million. He has accumulated this wealth through his successful racing career, prize winnings, sponsorships, and business ventures.
Racing earnings and prize money
Abreu’s racing career has proven highly lucrative. In 2025 alone, he earned over $580,000 in prize money through September, ranking him among the top earners in sprint car racing. His most significant single payday came in August 2025 when he won the Skagit Nationals in Washington, taking home a career-high $126,000 prize.
The California driver also secured a $250,000 championship payout after winning the 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing title at Texas Motor Speedway. He earned an additional $50,000 for winning the season finale race. Throughout the 2025 season, Abreu recorded 16 feature wins and consistently finished among the top money earners.
Income sources
Beyond race winnings, Abreu generates income through various channels. He owns Rico Abreu Racing, which competes full-time in premier sprint car series. His merchandising brand, Shop Rico, sells racing apparel and accessories to fans worldwide. Major sponsorships from companies like Kubota Tractor Corporation and other racing industry partners contribute significantly to his annual earnings.
The racing star also benefits from his family’s involvement in Abreu Vineyards, though his primary focus remains professional racing. His partnership agreement with Tony Stewart Racing, set to begin in 2026, is expected to substantially increase his earning potential.
Rico Abreu’s racing career
Early racing beginnings
Rico Abreu’s passion for racing ignited during his childhood in California’s Napa Valley. He initially began racing dirt bikes before attending an Outlaw kart race in Vallejo, California, which changed his life forever. The experience inspired him to transition to shifter karts.
His father, David, recognized his son’s talent and dedication. To support Rico’s racing aspirations, David built a one-eighth-mile asphalt oval in their backyard. This home track became Rico’s training ground and marked the beginning of his journey toward professional racing excellence.
When Rico turned 15, he received his first Outlaw kart. He quickly demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, competing successfully in the Outlaw 500cc go-kart series starting in 2008. His performances caught the attention of racing insiders who recognized his extraordinary potential despite his physical stature.
USAC Midget Series championship
Abreu’s breakthrough came in the USAC National Midget Series. In 2014, he dominated the championship, winning 25 races across 105 events throughout the season. His victories spanned multiple countries, including wins in Indiana and New Zealand.
The 2014 USAC National Midget Series championship established Abreu as a legitimate force in American open-wheel racing. He demonstrated versatility and consistency across different tracks and conditions. His success that year opened doors to higher-level competition and attracted significant sponsor interest.
Chili Bowl Nationals victories
Rico Abreu achieved legendary status in midget car racing by winning the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals in both 2015 and 2016. The Chili Bowl represents one of indoor midget racing’s most challenging and celebrated events.
In January 2015, Abreu won his first Chili Bowl title with a daring late-race pass on Bryan Clauson. He started third and methodically worked through the field before making his winning move in Turn 2. The victory announced his arrival as a major talent on the national stage.
Abreu defended his title in 2016, becoming only the fourth driver to win consecutive Chili Bowl championships. His back-to-back victories cemented his reputation as one of the era’s premier midget car drivers. These wins remain among his most celebrated accomplishments.
Sprint car racing success
After conquering midget car racing, Abreu transitioned to 410 sprint cars, where he has enjoyed tremendous success. He competes regularly with the World of Outlaws and Kubota High Limit Racing series, piloting his family-owned No. 24 sprint car.
Throughout his sprint car career, Abreu has accumulated over 100 feature wins. He has proven particularly dominant on California tracks but has won races across the United States. His aggressive driving style and exceptional car control make him a fan favorite and a formidable competitor.
2025 Kubota High Limit Racing championship
The 2025 season marked Abreu’s greatest achievement in sprint car racing. He won the inaugural Kubota High Limit Racing championship, claiming his first national sprint car series title. The California native earned 13 victories during the season and maintained consistency throughout the 51-race schedule.
Abreu clinched the championship at Texas Motor Speedway on October 18, 2025, in dramatic fashion. He won the season finale race while securing the title with a $250,000 championship prize. The achievement represented the culmination of years of hard work with his family-owned team.
NASCAR Truck Series experience
Between 2015 and 2017, Abreu competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He drove for ThorSport Racing, making 26 starts over three years. His best finish came at Eldora Speedway, where dirt track racing is his specialty.
While Abreu showed flashes of potential in stock car racing, he ultimately chose to focus on his first love—sprint car and midget car competition. The NASCAR experience broadened his skill set and increased his national visibility.
Tony Stewart Racing partnership
In September 2025, Abreu announced a major career move. Beginning in 2026, he will merge his family-owned No. 24 team with Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing. This partnership brings together two powerhouse operations in sprint car racing.
The collaboration allows Abreu to compete full-time with High Limit Racing while benefiting from TSR’s resources and expertise. Hall of Fame crew chief Ricky Warner will continue working with Abreu. This move positions him for sustained championship contention in future seasons.
Is Rico Abreu married? Wife and relationship status
Rico Abreu is married to Meagan Droud Abreu. The couple tied the knot in February 2024 after dating for over ten years. Their love story began more than a decade before their wedding, and they became engaged in January 2023 when Rico proposed on January 29, just before his birthday.
About Meagan Droud Abreu
Meagan Droud is Rico’s longtime partner and now wife. She has been a constant presence throughout his racing career, supporting him through victories and challenges. Meagan frequently appears at races and shares glimpses of their life together on social media.
The couple celebrated their engagement with a heartfelt Instagram post in January 2023. Rico wrote, “10 years later I asked her to be my wife! I love you @meagan_droud.” The post received thousands of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow racers.
Wedding and marriage
Rico and Meagan exchanged vows in February 2024 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends. The NASCAR and sprint car racing communities showered the couple with warm wishes. Rico shared his happiness on social media, calling Meagan “my world” and thanking her for her unconditional love.
The newlyweds maintain a relatively private personal life while sharing select moments with fans through social media. Meagan has her own Instagram account (@meagan_droud) where she occasionally posts about their adventures together.
Children
As of December 2025, Rico and Meagan have not publicly announced having any children. The couple appears focused on Rico’s racing career and enjoying their married life together. They do, however, share photos referencing “Gus” in Rico’s Instagram bio, which fans speculate might be a pet or nickname.
Rico Abreu’s height and weight
Rico Abreu stands 4 feet 4 inches tall (132 centimeters) and weighs approximately 95 pounds (43 kilograms). He was born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that is the most common cause of dwarfism.
Living with achondroplasia
Achondroplasia affects bone growth, particularly in the arms and legs. The condition occurs in approximately one in 25,000 to 40,000 births. Despite this genetic condition, Abreu has never let it define his limitations or diminish his competitive spirit.
Racing with achondroplasia requires significant modifications to Abreu’s race cars. His vehicles feature specially designed pedals and controls positioned to accommodate his reach. The steering wheel and seat are custom-fitted to ensure he maintains complete control at high speeds.
Physical adaptations in racing
Abreu’s teams work closely with him to ensure his race cars meet his specific needs. The modifications include extended pedals, adjusted seat positioning, and customized steering columns. These adaptations allow him to compete on equal footing with drivers of average height.
His small stature actually provides certain advantages in racing. His lighter weight requires less ballast in the race car, potentially improving performance. He also experiences less gravitational force during high-speed turns. These factors contribute to his competitive edge on the track.
Inspirational impact
Rico has become a powerful advocate for the dwarfism community. He openly discusses his condition and encourages others facing similar challenges. His success demonstrates that physical differences need not prevent anyone from achieving their dreams.
In September 2025, Abreu released a video titled “My Journey So Far” where he addressed questions about his dwarfism, family, and racing career. The video resonated with thousands of fans and individuals facing their own challenges. His transparency and positivity inspire people worldwide.
Rico Abreu’s family background
Parents
Rico Abreu was born to David and Christy Abreu in St. Helena, California. His father, David, is a highly respected vineyard manager and the founder of Abreu Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries. David is a third-generation Napa Valley resident and Vietnam veteran who built a successful career in viticulture.
David Abreu played a crucial role in Rico’s racing career. He not only provided financial support but also built the backyard racing track that became Rico’s training facility. David’s work ethic and dedication to excellence clearly influenced Rico’s approach to racing.
Rico’s mother, Christy, also provided unwavering support throughout his career. Rico celebrated her birthday in September 2025 with an Instagram post expressing gratitude for being raised by such a wonderful woman. The close-knit family remains deeply involved in both racing and the wine industry.
Siblings
Rico has one brother and one sister, though they maintain relatively private lives compared to their famous sibling. The Abreu siblings grew up together in California’s Napa Valley, surrounded by vineyards and racing culture.
Portuguese and Italian heritage
Rico’s father is of Portuguese descent, while his mother is Italian. This rich cultural heritage has influenced the family’s values and traditions. The combination of Portuguese and Italian roots reflects the diverse immigrant communities that built California’s wine industry.
Abreu Vineyards connection
The Abreu family owns and operates Abreu Vineyards, founded by David in 1980. The winery has gained international recognition for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and other premium wines. David’s expertise in vineyard management has made him one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after professionals.
Rico maintains ties to the family wine business while pursuing his racing career. The connection to viticulture provides him with a unique background among professional racing drivers. This dual identity as both a racer and member of a winemaking family distinguishes him in the motorsports world.
Current residence
Rico currently lives in Rutherford, California, in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. This location keeps him close to his family and their vineyard operations while providing easy access to West Coast racing facilities. Among his hobbies outside racing, Rico enjoys fishing in California’s abundant waterways.
Fast Facts about Rico Abreu
- Birth name significance: His full name is Rico Emanuel Abreu, with “Rico” meaning “rich” or “powerful” in Spanish.
- Consecutive Chili Bowl wins: He is one of only four drivers in history to win back-to-back Chili Bowl Nationals championships (2015, 2016).
- Record-breaking payday: In August 2025, Abreu earned $126,000 for winning the Skagit Nationals in Washington—the richest single payday of his career.
- Social media presence: His Instagram account (@rico_abreu) has over 131,000 followers, where he shares racing updates and personal moments.
- Shop Rico brand: He founded Shop Rico, a merchandise company selling racing apparel, accessories, and branded items to fans worldwide.
- Blood type: Rico has O-positive blood type, which he mentions in his social media profiles.
- Charity work: Abreu supports Jaxon’s Superheroes Foundation through the High Limit Racing Angel Donor program, which raised over $36,000 in 2024.
- Modified race cars: All his race vehicles feature custom-built pedal extensions and specialized controls to accommodate his height.
- Racing frequency: In 2025, Abreu competed in approximately 95 racing events across multiple series, showcasing his dedication and stamina.
- Family vineyard legacy: His father David manages vineyards for some of Napa Valley’s most exclusive wineries, including their own Abreu Vineyards label.
- NASCAR experience: During his three seasons in the NASCAR Truck Series, he led laps and earned one top-five finish at Eldora Speedway.
- International racing: Abreu has competed in races across the United States and internationally, including events in New Zealand.
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Wrapping up
Rico Abreu stands as one of sprint car racing’s most accomplished and inspirational drivers. His journey from a young kart racer in California’s Napa Valley to the 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing champion demonstrates extraordinary determination and talent. Despite standing just 4 feet 4 inches tall due to achondroplasia, Abreu has conquered the sport’s biggest stages and earned millions in career winnings. His marriage to Meagan Droud in 2024 added personal happiness to his professional success. With his upcoming move to Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, Abreu’s future in motorsports looks exceptionally bright.
References
- FloRacing. “Rico Abreu Joining Tony Stewart Racing In Mega Announcement”. September 17, 2025.
- High Limit Racing. “Rico Abreu Clinches 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing Championship”. October 18, 2025.
- ESPN. “Rico Abreu eager to make next step”. January 20, 2015.
- Essentially Sports. “Midget Series Champ Rico Abreu Ties the Knot”. February 4, 2024.
- FloRacing. “2025 Sprint Car Money Earnings: Top 10 Drivers Through September”. October 1, 2025.
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