“RIP”: Kyle Larson’s Rival Champion “Heartbroken” as Motorsports World Mourns Fallen Driver

Rico Abreu’s name is practically a synonym for grit in motorsports. Standing at just 4-foot-4 due to achondroplasia, he’s been defying odds his whole career, piling up wins like the 2014 USAC Midget National Championship and back-to-back Chili Bowl Nationals in 2015 and 2016. His journey took a pivotal turn back in 2009 at a charity karting event in California, where a teenage Kyle Larson spotted his talent. What started as a chance meeting turned into a lifelong friendship and dirt track rivalry, with Larson mentoring Abreu as he climbed from local ovals to sprint cars and even NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East. But beyond the checkered flags and roaring crowds, Abreu had found a similar spirit in a young friend, whose story didn’t turn out the same way as his.

Born with a condition that stunted his growth, Abreu needed custom cockpit setups like extended pedals and adjusted steering to compete. Yet he never let that slow him down, turning heads with his speed and fearlessness. That same spirit drew him to another young racer, Zane VanArsdall, an 11-year-old kart driver from Eagle Raceway who shared Abreu’s condition and his passion for racing. Zane, with his No. 24 kart, was a ray of sunshine at the track, his big smile and positive vibe lighting up the Nebraska racing community. For Abreu, meeting Zane was more than a moment; it was a chance to inspire someone walking a similar path.

The motorsports world was rocked recently when news broke of Zane’s passing on Friday morning. Reports say he was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious by his parents days ago, and placed in a medically induced coma. Unfortunately, it did not help.

Abreu, fresh off his own battles with injury and a missed High Limit race in Australia due to wrist surgery, poured his heart out on X, sharing the deep connection he felt with Zane. His words struck a chord, not just with fans but with anyone who’s ever been part of a racing community where bonds run deeper than the finish line. As the 2025 NASCAR playoffs roll through World Wide Technology Raceway’s Enjoy Illinois 300, the outpouring of grief and support for Zane’s memory and Abreu’s heartfelt tribute shows how tightly knit this sport can be. From dirt tracks to NASCAR’s biggest stages, the loss of a young racer like Zane hits hard, but his spirit lives on in the community he loved.

My friend Zane…

Zane was a little person like me, whom I first met at Eagle Raceway. He raced karts with the number 24.

Inspiring another little person like Zane to pursue their racing dream is a very fulfilling feeling.

Zane sadly passed away this morning. My heart breaks… pic.twitter.com/iGosQ7zcId

— RICO (@Rico_Abreu) September 5, 2025

The tributes keep coming, with fans rallying around Abreu and Zane’s family. It’s a reminder that racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about the people who make it special, from the drivers to the fans to the kids dreaming big in go-karts. Zane’s story, and Abreu’s emotional response, capture the soul of motorsports: a place where heart, hustle, and hope collide. As Abreu carries on, he’s not just racing for himself but for the memory of a kid whose smile left a mark on everyone who knew him.

Fans rally around Rico and Zane’s memory

The motorsports community is pouring out love on X for Rico Abreu and the late Zane VanArsdall, with fans moved by the loss of a young racer and Abreu’s heartfelt words. One fan wrote, “I’ll be rooting for you tonight to get one for Zane!” That’s the spirit of Eagle Raceway, where Zane, an 11-year-old kart racer, was a beloved figure known for his infectious joy. The track’s owner, Roger Hadan, called him “the best kid in the world,” always happy no matter the odds. Fans see Abreu, who’s battled through his own challenges, as the perfect driver to honor Zane’s memory with a win, turning grief into a tribute on the track.

Another fan chimed in, “So sorry. Think of the impact you had on him and so many others. You are so good for the sport & humankind.” Abreu himself said inspiring someone like Zane, a fellow little person chasing racing dreams, was “very fulfilling.” His openness about his own journey, from custom cockpits to Chili Bowl glory, has made him a role model. This fan’s words hit home, reflecting how Abreu’s influence stretches beyond wins, touching lives like Zane’s and countless others in the racing world.

The sentiment continued with, “Rico, you’re an inspiration to everyone, especially the kids with special needs. I have two special needs children myself, and you are truly a great role model for those who may want to give up on their dreams and wishes but when they see you, they know anything is possible.” Abreu’s story, overcoming achondroplasia to compete in USAC, NASCAR, and sprint cars, resonates deeply. His success, built on grit and custom setups like extended pedals, shows kids facing similar hurdles that they can chase their dreams. This fan’s personal connection underscores Abreu’s impact as a beacon of possibility.

Another post read, “Rico, think you was Zane’s biggest inspiration and you’ve made such an impact on so many other people’s lives every weekend at so many different tracks across the country. I’m heartbroken for Zane’s loss and my condolences to his family and friends.” Eagle Raceway’s community felt Zane’s positivity everywhere, with Hadan noting how he “impacted the lives of many.” Abreu’s bond with Zane, tied by their shared experience and love for racing, made him a hero to the young driver. This fan’s words capture the collective grief and admiration for Abreu’s ability to uplift others, from local tracks to national stages.

Finally, one fan reflected, “The highs and lows of life keep us balanced. I’m sure he is still watching.” It’s a nod to the belief that Zane’s spirit endures, much like the Eagle Raceway community’s plans to honor him with future kart races. Abreu’s own words about Zane’s “big smile” and lasting place in his heart echo this hope. The fan’s sentiment ties into the racing world’s way of keeping loved ones close, through memories, tributes, and the roar of engines. As Abreu races on, fans are rallying to support him, knowing he’s carrying Zane’s memory with every lap.

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