Page 29 - 2019 April-May IWMA Magazine

she gets enough credit for her success in the industry.” she shared.
Dina did not begin racing until she was in her 30’s! Her most memorable moment was winning the IHRA Pro Mod World Championship in 2015. She told me it was truly a team effort.
Dina’s marketing partners are Speedwire Systems, Lucas Oil, CRC Industries, DJ Safety, Wiseco Performance, Browell Bellhousing and Crank It Media.
Dina always loved racing in general. She was (is) a big fan of drivers such as A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti etc. But with watching Indy Car and NASCAR, she always knew she could never sit in a car that long to race. “After 100 miles, I need to pee and have a snack! I had seen Drag Racing on TV, but had never been to a race. When my husband built his 67 Camaro, he introduced me to the Drag Racing scene.”
Her husband Andrew is the main person to help with her car, otherwise known as ‘TOG’ (stands for the other guy...LOL!
“We have a couple of guys that have been crewing with us for years, Dave Jordan and Butch Branzelle. Also, my brother Charlie Saccoccio crews for us when he can! He’s our resident comedian!”
Currently, Dina races up and down the East coast,
into the mid-west. She has a 3,000HP Cadillac CTSV. Her car’s name is Stella, after her grandma (who by the way, never drove a car in her life!) She runs in the Pro Modified Class (or Mod as they say), which is also referred to as Pro Boost or Xtreme Pro Mod.
I asked if she had a good story for us, and this is what she shared:
“In 2010, I was racing at Maryland International Raceway. I was running my 63 Corvette at the time. Scotty Cannon was tuning for us. It was a great day until....
I believe it was Q3. I launched the car, it felt great until about 150 feet and it let loose to the right and up on the two right wheels slightly.”
She races with other women, and is closer to some than others, much like ‘real’ life!
Dina’s goal for her racing career is not just to win, but to leave a legacy. “I have always said, “It’s not just about get- ting to the stripe first, but the journey you take to get there”. I want to be sure that journey is filled with good things I can pass along to others. There is so much I love about racing-- the thrill of the competition--being one with that beast of a car, and of course, the people. It is humbling to be support- ed by so many. I am a regular gal, lucky to do extraordinary things in my life. What more can you ask for? (Well, maybe a Title Marketing Partner? I would ask for that!)”
To Dina, being a successful racecar driver means she has been able to inspire others to follow their passion, what- ever it may be. “Go beyond your comfort zone and give it a shot. You never know what you can accomplish.”
I asked if she had any race day routines. She said, “HA. Actually, when I skated for Ice Capades, I had pre-show rituals. I always put on the same skate, glove etc. 1st. Well, I do the same thing now. I always put my safety equipment on in the same order. If I don’t, I start over...LOL!
Dina is the spokesperson for The Comfort Crew. The Comfort Crew for Military Kids delivers proven resources to help military kids and their families connect and build resil- iency in the face of extraordinary challenges.
Follow Dina on social media at:
FB, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat @DPariseRacing All can be found on http://dinapariseracing.com/
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