Courtesy Elon Werner

NHRA Pro Stock rookie Camrie Caruso will be making her NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series debut at the NHRA Winternationals, February 18-20 in Pomona, California driving the Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro. In advance of that event the young driver who lives in Denver, NC, participated in several pre-season test sessions, most recently the PRO Nitro Spring Training event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park outside of Phoenix last weekend. Caruso is a third generation NHRA competitor who began her career behind the wheel of a junior dragster and has won in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Q: You are days away from your professional Pro Stock debut on a scale of 1-10 what is your excitement level?

Camrie Caruso: I am super excited; I would say it’s definitely a ten! 

Q: You had a couple test sessions in January, how was that experience?

CC: Being able to test for a few weeks prior to going out west and testing in Phoenix has been so awesome. I have really had a chance to get 100% comfy in the car and the team has been able to get into a routine with each other.

Q: In Phoenix you made side-by-side passes against some of your new competitors. What was that like?

CC: It was good to get used to running beside other Pro Stock competitors before the Winternationals. You don’t want that completely new experience at your first race.

Q: You brought on Jim Yates as your crew chief so how is that going?

CC: Jim is awesome. He’s driven, tuned, won, and lost. He has all the experiences that I don’t have in Pro Stock yet which makes our team that much stronger. 

Q: How have you been balancing getting ready for the season with your responsibilities at Titan Racing Engines?

CC: It has been crazy busy but I’m thankful to be able to work with Titan Racing Engines during this time in my racing career because it all ties into each other

Q: What are you most looking forward to at the Winternationals?

CC: I am looking forward to proving all the haters wrong that said we wouldn’t make it to Pomona. I am excited to enter a class that has so many amazing competitors, no matter who I line up against in the first round it will be such a huge memory for me. 

Q: You are on a family run team, how much input, encouragement or advice are you getting from your dad and/or grandfather?

CC: My dad and my Papa are the absolute best, included in that support system my mom has been a huge support to all this as well. My dad and my Papa just want me to do my best and they are there every time I need encouragement.

Q: What are 2-3 of your goals, big or small, for this season?

CC: I have big goals. First goal is to win five races, my second goal is to finish Top 3 in points and my third goal is I would like to get at least one No. 1 qualifier.