By Briar Starr, NHRA Staff Writer
After KB Racing and Titan Racing announced their merger to create KB Titan Racing on Monday night, there was additional news coming out of the Mooresville, North Carolina race shop Tuesday afternoon.
Previous Titan Racing driver and 2022 Rookie of the Year driver Camrie Caruso will be one of four drivers competing under the team for the 2023 season. Following a successful season, Caruso, the Fairport, New York native will be looking for her first NHRA Pro Stock Series championship.
“This is an exciting move for me, but it would not be possible without an amazing rookie season learning from Jim Yates and working with Jamie and Toni Yates,” said Caruso who finished the regular season in the Top-10 and qualified for every NHRA national event in 2022.
“The opportunity to become a team driver for KB Titan Racing was too good to pass up. I want to thank Jim, Toni, and Jamie for everything, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. I am looking forward to making an immediate impact with KB Titan Racing and developing even more as a driver.”
Furthermore, her sponsors Powerbuilt Tools, Tequila Comisario, Right Trailers, and VP Racing are also returning to help her racing efforts.
“Last year was an amazing and challenging rookie season and I am looking forward to growing my relationship with Powerbuilt Tools, Tequila Comisario, Right Trailers, VP Racing and some new marketing partners will be announcing soon,” said Caruso, who competed in the final round at the Spring Nationals in Houston.
“I learned so much from Jim on the driving side of things and I am looking forward to continuing to develop with the guidance from crew chiefs Rob Downing and Dave Connolly as well as my new teammates Greg Anderson, Kyle Koretsky and Dallas Glenn. I will be heading to testing with the team in January and February which can’t get here soon enough.”
Her team owners Anderson and Eric Latino are excited that Caruso will be racing for the team.
“This is an exciting time for all of us,” said KB Titan Racing partner Eric Latino. “The merge of Titan Racing Engines with KB Racing was a substantial move that we believe will prove to be very successful. In her rookie season, Camrie really gained solid footing with the Titan Racing program and began to develop as a driver in this tough class.
“Now, she’s part of a team with some of the best drivers in the class, and I think we’re going to see even more great things in the future for this young woman. We’re happy to have her on board.”
Anderson meanwhile was quick to point out the significance of the team being partnered with Caruso this early in her career.
“There are so many positive things happening in the KB Titan Racing camp, and we’re really excited to bring Camrie into the mix,” said Anderson.
“She’s proven that she can hold her own, and this is just the beginning. To be part of her career at such an early stage is something we don’t take lightly. We’re looking forward to a bright future with an incredible group of young drivers who will be contributing to the health of this class and this sport for years to come.”
Caruso ended her rookie season by qualifying for all 19 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock races. That included a career-best runner-up finish at Houston, six quarterfinals, and 12 first-round appearances. Additionally, she earned her first career No. 1 qualifier at Houston as well.