BARTLETT, Tenn. – Jason Sides hopes to take “the next step” this season with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. He’ll chase that goal with a new co-owner.

Sides announced a new partnership with Rico Abreu Racing on Monday evening, strengthening his Sides Motorsports No. 7s operation for another full run with the World of Outlaws.

It won’t look any different for fans, but behind the scenes, this affiliation will be a game-changer for Sides with Abreu joining the team.

Entering his 17th full-time season with the Outlaws, Sides will have additional backing with Abreu in his corner and by his side.

Making life on the road a little bit easier with a grueling campaign of more than 90 races, Sides will have the benefit of focusing solely on his race car and improving his team.

“I’m excited to have Rico team up with Sides Motorsports as we continue to run with the World of Outlaws this year,” Sides said. “I think we can achieve many goals together as our team takes the next step.”

With more than 1,100 career starts under his belt, Sides is the second-most experienced Outlaw on tour, behind only ten-time Series champion Donny Schatz.

The 15-time World of Outlaws winner struggled to find a rhythm amidst a pandemic-centered season in 2020, making his comeback this season all the more meaningful.

For Abreu, an eight-time World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series feature winner in his own right, his relationship with Sides is the most recent in a series of moves that supports the legends of sprint car racing.

Just last week, Abreu announced that Jac Haudenschild – a 72-time World of Outlaws winner – would drive his own Rico Abreu Racing No. 24 in Jac’s 48th and final season.

Now, Abreu is lending a hand to Sides to keep him on the road and up to par against the Outlaws.

“I just want to make sure Jason is in a good spot to compete and keep up with the Outlaws,” Abreu noted. “I’m doing this for him. We’re gonna do what we can to make him better in 2021. I really want to see that 7s back in victory lane.”

Sides’ new partnership with Abreu officially begins next weekend when the 50th DIRTcar Nationals takes center stage at Volusia Speedway Park.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will contest a trio of shows at the Barberville, Fla., half-mile on Feb. 5-7.

In 59 career starts at Volusia, Sides has 25 top ten finishes and one victory to his credit.

His lone Volusia win came on Feb. 13, 2011 in the DIRTcar Nationals Sprint Week finale, which he won over Steve Kinser, Fred Rahmer, Cody Darrah, and Jason Meyers.