DENVER, NC (October 12, 2022) — After a week off following the start of the six-race NHRA Countdown playoffs rookie Pro Stock driver Camrie Caruso is ready to get back on the track and chase her 2022 season goals. The third-generation driver will be wheeling the Sand Haulers of America Chevrolet Camaro with power from Titan Racing Engines during the 37th NHRA Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex this weekend. It was just last year at the Stampede of Speed that Caruso announced she would be competing full time on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Since that press conference Caruso has been on a whirlwind of an experience as she and her Caruso Family Racing team have competed in every national event and with three races to go in the season are still in the championship mix.
“We are looking forward to these last three races of the season,” said Caruso. “Starting the Countdown with back-to-back-to-back races was tough but we made it. I have been working on my driving all season and our Sand Haulers of America Camaro is running quick again. We had a great race the last time we were in Texas and I am hoping to get one more win light.”
Camrie Caruso and Sand Haulers of America Chevrolet Camaro, photos by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
In the spring at just her fifth pro race Caruso, the favorite for 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year, earned the No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston and then raced to the final round. It was a breakout event for the former Top Alcohol Dragster driver who like so many professionals started her career in junior dragsters. That weekend brought added media exposure and more marketing opportunities for the driver from Rochester, New York, who now lives in Denver, North Carolina.
“Houston was an amazing weekend and it really was a blur as it was happening,” said Caruso, who won her first round of racing as a pro in just her second start. “We have put in a lot of time this year building our team and doing things the right way. My crew chief Jim Yates has won the Pro Stock world championship and he has been a huge help both as a crew chief and a teacher.”
This season Caruso has qualified for every national event in a tough field of Pro Stock competitors but more importantly she has won rounds and is consistently great off the starting line quickly. The Sand Haulers of America Camaro which will also have branding from OZ Saferooms this weekend at Texas Motorplex has recorded six quarterfinal finishes in addition to the runner-up. Caruso was solidly in the Top Ten all season and this weekend’s race at Texas Motorplex could be an opportunity for her to move up and take a shot at a Top Five finish as a rookie.
“My goals at the beginning of the season included winning races and the championship,” said Caruso. “People thought I was nuts, but I am very competitive and we are out here to win every race. This class has been tough and I have learned a lot. I think we can compete with anyone and I am looking forward to four qualifying runs and then the race on Sunday.”
The return to the Sand Haulers of America Chevrolet Camaro look could be just the spark Caruso is looking for and throughout the season she has received strong support from businesses as she has competed across the country. Powerbuilt Tools, Tequila Comisario and Kinds of Vapor have all built marketing programs around Caruso who is one of the most popular drivers on the Camping World Drag Racing Series. A growing fan base along with improved on-track performance have highlighted the upside for another young star in the NHRA.
“I have a business and finance degree, so I put a lot of time into making sure the business and marketing side of our program is good for our partners and the team,” said Caruso. “I love driving but I also enjoy working with companies at the track and at appearances. We have done several shows this year and as the season winds down there will be more opportunities. Our focus now is on finishing 2022 strong and then getting even better in 2023.”
The NHRA Texas Fall Nationals will begin in earnest on Friday with two qualifying sessions followed by two more on Saturday. Caruso will be attending the Pre-Stage Fan Fest on Thursday night in downtown Waxahachie from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. signing autographs for fans at the free pre-race event. She will also be racing for $7,500 in bonus money during the Friday Night Live event. The quickest run of the nighttime session will win the big money and most likely be the No. 1 qualifier. Final eliminations of the quickest 16 Pro Stock cars will start on Sunday at noon CT with the race being broadcast on FS1.