Dina Parise Is Racing for a Cure

Q: Was your husband, Andrew, an integral reason of why you started racing?
A: I am often asked if my husband is the reason why I began racing. Well, yes and no. He opened my eyes to the world of drag racing. I had only ever watched NASCAR, Formula 1, that type of racing. I never had a desire to race a car that I had to sit in for that long! Once I saw, heard, and felt the rush of a drag race, I was hooked! I don’t think Andrew ever thought I wanted to drive, but when I showed an interest, he became my biggest supporter and fan! He turned over his “ride” to me this year, even though his car was not yet completed. So, I raced all season, and he did not.

Q: What is the Racing for a Cure campaign?
A: We began “Racing for a Cure” in 2005. For one thing, we are VERY fortunate to be able to do what we do. We love to race. We also felt the need to give back. We have a friend that was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004. In 2005, we created “Racing for a Cure” as a fundraising tool to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City Chapter. From then on, it became a crusade to do what we can to raise awareness as well as donations to help fund research into the cause, treatment, and cure of MS. We are very passionate about what we do. We collect donations at each track we attend, or at any event we attend. 100 percent of what we collect is designated toward MS research a local programs and services. We also sell t-shirts, and a portion of the proceeds goes to MS as well.

Q: What is the best way for people to get involved with racing for a cure?
A: Anyone who would like to make a donation on our behalf can get information by logging on to our website: www.racingforacure.net or www.tweakedyaracing.com .Click on the Racing for a Cure tab. Check out our website next season. Join us at an event.

Q: What’s on tap for your racing career in 2008?
A: For my racing career in 2008, I have many things going on. For one, we are “tweaking” the Camaro over the winter to increase speed, and decrease ET. I need to work on my reaction times, and we will be testing in March.