CHICAGO (May 21, 2023) —- Racing outside the Windy City for the first time in her Pro Stock career 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year experienced a whirlwind of emotions at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. On Saturday Caruso won the inaugural NHRA Pro Stock All-Star Callout picking up the big check for $28,000 defeating Cristian Cuadra, Troy Coughlin Jr., and Aaron Stanfield. Her final qualifying pass of 6.524 seconds was quick enough for the win and moved the young driver up to the No. 5 qualifier position.
Camrie Caruso and Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro, photo by Innovative Creation Experts
In the opening round Caruso matched up with newcomer Jerry Tucker looking to pick up her second NHRA national event win of the season. Caruso had lane choice and confidence heading into the opening session. Throughout the season she has been one of the quickest drivers off the starting line and her reputation has drawn out the best from her opponents or at least forced them to take chances on the starting line. Against Tucker, who posted a perfect .000 reaction time, Caruso came up on the losing end of a very close race. At the finish line Caruso’s 6.561 second pass was not enough to advance to the quarterfinals.
“We have a good car and we made good runs yesterday and today in the first round,” said Caruso. “They just got lucky with that triple zero reaction time. To do that in a Pro Stock car is so close to a red light. Good for him and good luck in the next round.”
The second-year pro debuted her new-look Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro which drew rave reviews from the thousands of fans in attendance. The Tequila Comisario look will race with Caruso well into the Countdown. Every race the young driver is getting more and more comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
“We are back in our new look Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro and it is a beautiful race car,” said Caruso. “I think it is one of our best wraps and we will be racing this look through Dallas. I will be ready for Bristol. I’m excited and I’m super thankful for all my partners, my team, everybody involved. Without them all this success wouldn’t be possible. We’re just doing our best and we’ll keep on giving it our all. You look at how strong this team is top to bottom there are a lot more win lights in our future. I am feeling comfortable in the car every pass.”
Caruso will be back on track at the Thunder Valley Nationals, June 9-11.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 6.549 sec, 210.77 mph; Qual. 8
Q2: 6.535 sec, 210.83 mph; Qual. 8
Q3: 6.524 sec, 211.03 mph; Qual. 5
Bonus Points: +1 (3rd quickest of Q3)
Race Results
First Round
Jerry Tucker, Elite Motorsport Chevrolet Camaro, (.000), 6.565, 209.88 mph def. Camrie Caruso, Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro, (.052) 6.561, 210.24 mph
Camping World Drag Racing Series Top Ten – Pro Stock
1. Dallas Glenn 581
2. Matt Hartford 413
3. Deric Kramer 406
4. Troy Coughlin Jr 398
5. Aaron Stanfield 360
6. Camrie Caruso 331
7. Greg Anderson 310
8. Bo Butner 309
9. Cristian Cuadra 293
10. Kyle Koretsky 286