Interview with Dina Parise, a Pro Mod Trailblazer
Dina Parise started out as a competitive figure skater, but that later changed. Now she faces competition at the drag strip, where she faces off in her CTS-V Pro Mod against tough competitors regularly.
But it doesn’t stop there — she is also the owner of her team. She is a trailblazer in her sport, and she has done a wonderful job paving the way for more women to enter the world of Pro Modified Drag Racing.
Despite all of the work she puts into her team, her cars, and her fans, she is also the owner of Andi-Con Performance.
Dina was kind enough to lend some of her time to answer a few questions for me regarding her experience and aspirations in the racing world.
How did you get started in racing?
Dina: Well it’s a funny story. I have always been competitive. It is for sure in my blood. My husband Andrew was racing a 1967 Camaro (supercharged with 1,100 horespower.) He decided he wanted to build a Pro Mod. I decided I wanted to race! So, I went to Frank Hawley Drag Racing School (I highly recommend it) to achieve getting my Super Gas License. I then took over the driving duties with the 67. Andrew built a 1953 Corvette. But, I didn’t stop there. After about two seasons in the Camaro I decided I wanted to step up. With the assistance of our marketing partners we had a 1963 Corvette built. A Pro Mod. 3,000 hp and supercharged. Last year we were approached about building a new Cadillac CTS-V Pro Mod. I jumped at the chance. Every girl from New York needs a 3,000 hp Cadillac right?
What is your favorite part of racing?
Dina: I can’t pick just one part. I love the exhilaration of the car heading down the track. I love the peace of me and the car being one. I love the fans. It’s a package. I can’t break it up!
What do you hope to accomplish in 2015?
Dina: In 2015 I want our Andi-Con Performance shop to thrive and the Dina Parise Racing team to kick a** ! that is all !
Lastly, I asked her if she had any advice for future racers. She most certainly did.
Do you have any advice for future racers?
Dina: I do. Be true to yourself. Always remember if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Most importantly…. Always remember … lift… you want to live to race another day…
Dina Parise is an amazing race car driver, team owner, and overall competitor. She has done a wonderful job in her sport, and her love of all cars GM — from her ’67 Camaro to her new CTS-V — definitely makes that all the better!
Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes look of her Cadillac in the works! Feel free to visit her website to learn more about the girl behind the wheel!