NHRA Pro Stock racer Camrie Caruso was transported to a Phoenix-area hospital late Saturday afternoon for evaluation following a high-speed crash during the final round of qualifying for the Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park at Chandler.

She was conscious and alert and out of her Aqua Prop Chevy Camaro minutes after it nosed into the left guard wall as she crossed the finish line at 142 mph and darted into the right-side wall. NHRA Medical Director Dr. Phillip Surface examined her onsite.

Caruso, whose father Marc Caruso—a former NHRA Pro Modified driver—was celebrating his birthday Saturday, was the 2023 winner of the Arizona Nationals. She was unqualified for the 16-car field and was attempting her final-chance pass when the accident occurred.

The car hiked the front wheels on the launch, and when she set it back down on the track, it began drifting slightly toward the center line. She coaxed it back into the groove, but it’s unclear what caused the car to get out of shape.

Sunday Update

Doctors diagnosed Caruso with a broken fibula in her left leg and possible sprained ankle. She is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the fans and everyone who has reached out to me for support,” Caruso said on Sunday morning. “The NHRA community always rallies around one of its own and that’s something I’ve now experienced firsthand. The outpouring of support has been incredible.

“My return date is a little up in the air at this moment, but I can’t wait to get back on the track and represent my incredible roster of partners aboard my Aqua Prop/True Brand/Big Jeff Audio Chevy Camaro.”