MILE HIGH NATIONALS AND WESTERN SWING NEXT TEST FOR ROOKIE CAMRIE CARUSO
DENVER, NC – The next three weeks will be another major test for Pro Stock rookie Camrie Caruso. The 24-year-old driver who makes her 
home in the other Denver (Denver, North Carolina) will be tackling the NHRA Mile High Nationals for the first time this weekend. The team spent a few days last week testing at Bandimere Speedway to get a handle on the tune up needed to make Caruso’s Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro as powerful and quick as possible. Crew Chief Jim Yates has two victories as a driver on the mountaintop and his experience behind the wheel and making tune-up decisions will be a huge plus for Caruso and her team.
“Jim has been great all season and I have learned a lot very quickly,” said Caruso. “I have an awesome group of people on this team from the Titan Racing Engines guys, to support from GESI, NGK, Sand Haulers of America, Powerbuilt Tools, and VP Racing Lubricants. I also have my dad, Marc, and my Papa (Papa Joe Caruso) supporting and encouraging me. I am excited about racing at Bandimere Speedway this weekend and taking on the Western Swing.”
The three-race stretch which begins this weekend at Bandimere Speedway will give Caruso, who is sitting seventh in points, more opportunity to continue her successful rookie season campaign. Already the young driver who is the favorite for NHRA Rookie of the Year has earned a No.1 qualifier and raced to a final round. She has qualified for every NHRA national event this season and has only started outside the top half of the field one time, a No. 9 start at the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals. She is just three rounds out of fourth place with five races before the points reset for the Countdown.
“I have a great race car thanks to my crew and the power from Titan Racing Engines,” said Caruso. “My team does an amazing job getting the most out of every run and we are consistently one of the quickest Pro Stock cars every race. That gives me a lot of confidence. I have been able to concentrate on my driving and that has been a process too. We have a strategy and I am just trying to do my best every time I stage the Tequila Comisario Camaro.”
This race will be the first of five races with new primary sponsor Tequila Comisario and major associate sponsor NGK backed Shop Squad. Throughout this season Caruso has been one of the most active teams in the Camping World Drag Racing Series on the marketing and promotion side of the business. The team will unveil the new look Camaro as part of the first qualifying session and throughout the five-race run automotive professionals can visit: www.shopsquadonline.com to register. Use code RACE22 for a chance to win a Solo Stove with NGK conducting one drawing per month.
“We are constantly working with our marketing partners to give them maximum benefit on and off the track,” said Caruso. “I put a lot of time between races into working with our marketing partners and promoting new marketing opportunities. I have a business degree so I really enjoy that side of racing. The best part is when you go rounds, get TV exposure and also introduce the fans to the products and services that are helping me chase my dream.”
At the beginning of the season Caruso’s goals were considered off the charts by many in the sport as the young driver stated she wanted to win races and compete for the Pro Stock championship. Halfway through the season Caruso is on the cusp of putting herself in position to attain her goals.
“When people heard my goals they called me crazy but I wasn’t kidding,” said Caruso. “I have a lot of drive, passion and confidence. You have to have all three to be successful and I want to compete at the highest level. I know I have a lot to learn. This is the hardest class to break through in and we are holding our own. My goal is to get better every race and I think we are on the right path.”
Caruso and the rest of the Pro Stock class will have two qualifying runs on Friday followed by two more sessions on Saturday. The final eliminations will begin at noon local time with the race broadcast on FOX starting at 4 p.m. ET.
