CARUSO EAGER TO HEAD TO HISTORIC THUNDER VALLEY DRAGWAY

DENVER, NC – Six races into her rookie season behind the wheel of the Sand Haulers of America Chevrolet Camaro Camrie Caruso has established herself as not just the front-runner for NHRA rookie of the year but as a legitimate threat in the NHRA Countdown. The third-generation driver who currently resides in Denver, North Carolina, has raced to a final round, qualified No. 1, defeated world champions and qualified for every race she has entered. Anyone one of these accomplishments alone would be impressive but the 24-year-old driver has taken her early season success in stride and continues to pursue her dream.

“Even before the season started, I said my goals were to win races and win the Pro Stock world championship,” said Caruso. “I know people thought I was crazy but that is what I believe. I have a great team with Jim Yates, Titan Racing Engines and so many sponsors. This team is all I think about and work on. I have a lot of support from my family especially, my dad and Papa Joe (grandfather) so racing on Father’s Day weekend will be really cool.”

Caruso started the season qualifying for the Winternationals and in just her second career Pro Stock race she picked up her first round win. Three races later at the SpringNationals in Houston Caruso turned every head in the NHRA when she raced to her first career No. 1 qualifier and then proceeded to take out two former world champions Bo Butner and Greg Anderson on the way to her first final round against Erica Enders. It was a historic match-up pitting two female Pro Stock drivers together for the first time. The weight of the moment did not phase Caruso who despite losing fifth gear nearly upset the multi-time champion.

“This whole season has been a whirlwind, but Houston was a totally different level,” said Caruso, who has won in a variety of other categories including Top Alcohol Dragster. “We were No. 1 all weekend and then we had a tough ladder to get to the final round. Racing Erica was great, but I don’t really care who is in the other lane on Sunday. I know I have to do my routine and hit the tree as hard as I can.”

Throughout the season Caruso has had a consistent race car thanks to the power under the hood from Titan Racing Engines in North Carolina. Crew chief Jim Yates has also been an excellent mentor, coach and tuner for the young team. The multi-time world champion Pro Stock driver has seen it all and provides Caruso with a wealth of knowledge.

“Jim has been amazing,” said Caruso. “We have butted heads a little, but I know he is trying to make me the best driver I can be. After every run we are going over all the data. I am feeling more and more comfortable every race. These next two months will be huge for us.”

In addition to her on-track success Caruso has been incredibly active with sponsors showcasing the benefits of racing in the NHRA and with the Caruso Family Racing operation. Sand Haulers of America will be primary sponsor this weekend once again and will be on Caruso’s Pro Stock Camaro later in the season as well. At the beginning of the season GESI, Right Trailers, Powerbuilt Tools, NGK Spark Plugs and VP Racing Lubricants all jumped on board with the rookie team. All these relationships and sponsorships were brokered by Caruso herself who is hands on with all business matters when it comes to her Pro Stock race car.

“I want to be involved from top to bottom with this team,” said Caruso. “I get a lot of help from my dad and papa but at the end of the day I want to be the one writing the check and then delivering on the racetrack. I have great sponsors that I want to have for many, many seasons. The best way to do that is to show them how we can grow their business through the NHRA and Caruso Family Racing. I want to do as many appearances and interviews as I can to make this program successful. I know that turning on win lights helps, and we have aggressive goals for this season.”

Caruso will get her first pass at Bristol Dragway on Friday night followed by two qualifying sessions on Saturday. Pro Stock final eliminations will begin on Sunday at approximately noon ET. Caruso sits seventh in points just over two rounds out of fifth place.

photo by Auto Imagery