It is said time flies by when you are having fun, and for Camrie Caruso, the 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year, understands there’s credence to the saying. 

“It was crazy, like two different seasons,” Caruso said of her debut in Pomona in February and the season-finale in November. “The Winternationals was just a blur, and then at the end of the season at the Auto Club Finals, I couldn’t believe the season was over. I was way more comfortable at the last race of the season.”

Caruso was presented the Rookie of the Year accolade on Saturday, following a season where she outperformed the other rookie contenders with a final round appearance and a No. 1 qualifier. Both milestones came at the final national event at Houston Raceway Park, where she raced the five-time champion, Erica Enders.

“I think if I had to pick the top experiences of the season, it was qualifying number one in Houston, the final at Houston against Erica and qualifying at every race,” Caruso said. “I always thought that we could do it, but it’s a lot harder said than done. I look at the Houston race as a highlight but also something we want to do more of. I know we will have a team that can run at the top and win rounds.”

Caruso, tuned in 2022 by past NHRA Pro Stock champion Jim Yates, sees the class at its healthiest point, with new faces expected to join the mix. 

“I think it makes it more special; there’s more cars and people fighting for qualifying spots,” Caruso said. “You have to work for it, so it means more. I know that we’re going to have a race every round of qualifying. I take a lot of pride in the fact we qualified for every race this season with our Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stock car. I know it was great for our sponsors like Tequila Comisario, Powerbuilt Tools, and Sand Haulers of America.”

Caruso was recently announced as one of the new drivers in the KB Titan Racing Engines, and with this stands confident about what 2023 will bring. 

“I know what to expect now,” Caruso said. “I’m not going to be as nervous. We’re gonna go testing and build on what we already have. This season I learned something at every track, and next year I will have a comfort level I didn’t have this year.”