CAMRIE CARUSO MAKES MOST OF FIRST VEGAS FOUR-WIDE

Published April 3, 2022

LAS VEGAS – For rookie Pro Stock driver Camrie Caruso her first four-wide racing experience was two days of qualifying runs and continued race day improvement behind the wheel of her Air Flow Research (AFR) SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT Chevrolet Camaro. Caruso entered race day at the NHRA Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals, as the No. 9 qualifier on the heels of four qualifying runs that placed her in a quad with No. 1 qualifier Aaron Stanfield, No. 8 qualifier Matt Hartford and No. 16 qualifier Cristian Cuadra.

As all four Pro Stock race cars pulled to the ready line Caruso knew she would have to be at the top of her game with her Titan Racing Engine powered Chevrolet Camaro. Over the previous three races the favorite for the NHRA Rookie of the Year award has qualified for every race. All four race cars launched hard and Caruso was right in the mix as she charged down track from lane three. Through the windshield she could see Stanfield and Cuadra, who she had defeated in the previous two races, just out in front of her bumper. Her second quickest run of the weekend, 6.693 seconds, was not enough to advance to the second round. At the end of the day the young driver reflected on her first four-wide experience.

“I think it was neat,” said Caruso. “I don’t think it is as complicated as a lot of people make it out to be. I know my crew chief Jim Yates liked getting the four qualifying runs and it meant more seat time for me which is great.”

The four qualifying runs Caruso and her Air Flow Research (AFR) SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT Chevrolet Camaro made along with her first round pass have continued to show the strength of her Titan Racing Engines program as well as the support she has garnered from Right Trailers, Global Emissions Systems Inc. (GESi®), NGK Spark Plugs, VP Racing Lubricants and Powerbuilt Tools. Representing so many brands has given Caruso the confidence to focus on her racing program.

“I love racing this Chevrolet Camaro and I have to thank my Caruso Family Racing team for all their support,” said Caruso. “This was a learning experience and I am glad I got the first four-wide out of the way. We will get ready for Houston.”

The early favorite for NHRA Rookie of the Year will leave the fourth race of the season No. 11 in the Pro Stock point standings.

Qualifying Results

Q1:10.503 sec, 85.32 mph; Qual. 13

Q2: 6.715 sec, 205.76 mph; Qual. 12

Q3: 6.742 sec, 203.77 mph; Qual 13

Q4: 6.691 sec, 203. 89 mph; Qual 9

Bonus Points: 0

Race Results

E1:

No. 1; Aaron Stanfield, Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro, 6.667, 206.07 mph (W)

No. 16; Cristian Cuadra, Corral Boots Ford Mustang, 6.694, 204.60 mph (W)

No. 8; Matt Hartford, Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro, 6.685, 205.26 mph