LAS VEGAS, NV (October 30, 2022) —- The Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro and rookie driver Camrie Caruso came into the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend looking to continue her development and chase her first professional win. This was Caruso’s second appearance at the Las Vegas track following the spring Four-Wide Nationals earlier this year. The third-generation driver who worked her way up from junior dragsters through the sportsman ranks has been battling one of the toughest Pro Stock fields in recent memory. Caruso was looking to keep her consecutive qualifying streak alive and after two days and four sessions the former Top Alcohol Dragster driver national event winner entered her 18th consecutive race as the No. 11 qualifier.
Camrie Caruso and Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
In the first round Caruso was paired up against Troy Coughlin Jr. for the second race in 2022. In their previous match-up Coughlin narrowly defeated Caruso in the second round of the Northwest Nationals in Seattle. Today Caruso was looking to take her Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro with power from Titan Racing Engines to the quarterfinals.
Caruso pulled up to the starting line and both cars launched with Coughlin getting a nose on Caruso’s Camaro as they approached half-track. As the finish line closed in, Coughlin was able to hold off a charging Caruso for the round win. At the stripe Coughlin’s winning time of 6.627 seconds was a tick quicker than Caruso’s 6.665 seconds. Both teams slowed slightly from their best qualifying times and Caruso will head to Pomona looking to close out her rookie season on a high note.
Powerbuilt Chevrolet Camaro, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
“We have been battling this whole Countdown and things didn’t go our way today,” said Caruso. “We have one more race this season to get a win and finish on a high note. This has been an amazing rookie season and it was great to be back in Las Vegas. The fans have been great and this place was packed today.”
The Auto Club Finals will be the season finale for Caruso and the Pro Stock class in two weeks. The race could also be the coronation for Caruso as NHRA Rookie of the Year as she was announced last week as one of the two finalists. Following the final event the NHRA will host the championship banquet on Monday night for the announcement.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 13.297 sec, 64.15 mph; Qual. 16
Q2: 6.633 sec, 206.76 mph; Qual. 9
Q3: 6.613 sec, 207.69 mph; Qual. 11
Q4: 6.648 sec, 206.45 mph; Qual. 11
Bonus Points: 0
Race Results
First Round
Troy Coughlin Jr., Delaware, Ohio, JEG’S Chevrolet Camaro, 6.627, 206.89 mph def. Camrie Caruso, Denver, NC, Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro, 6.665, 205.54 mph
Camping World Drag Racing Series Top Fifteen – Pro Stock
1. Erica Enders 2684
2. Aaron Stanfield 2460
3. Troy Coughlin Jr 2440
4. Kyle Koretsky 2406
5. Greg Anderson 2396
6. Dallas Glenn 2319
7. Matt Hartford 2318
8. Cristian Cuadra 2216
9. Deric Kramer 2205
10. Mason McGaha 2188
11. Bo Butner 2183
12. Camrie Caruso 2181
13. Fernando Cuadra Jr 2178
14. Chris McGaha 2116
15. Fernando Cuadra 2106