As one of the most prominent father-daughter duos in drag racing today , engine builder Pat Musi and his daughter , PDRA Pro Nitrous star Lizzy Musi , have proven that their unique dynamic leads to success back at the shop and at the track , but that passionate drive can also create conflict as Lizzy admitted after a rare mechanical issue prevented her from making the first qualifying run at PDRA Dragstock XII .

“ Racing with my dad is a little difficult at times . He still looks at me as his daughter . Sometimes we ’ ll butt heads over whether or not I made a mistake on a run . I tell him if I made a mistake or did everything right , but sometimes it takes him awhile to realize it . It ’ s how my dad is and I ’ ve learned to get used to it . We do make a great team at the end of the day , though . He ’ s one smart guy and I need to listen to him as much as I can because he has such great experience . I just have to bite the bullet sometimes .”

In between the tense moments , though , are many more instances of triumph , as Musi moved on through the weekend to secure the event win on a holeshot over Pat Musi Racing Engines customer Tommy Franklin . If a little tough love is the price to pay for the opportunity to race with a tuner and former driver with the experience that her father has , then Lizzy will gladly accept it .

“ Growing up as a little girl watching my dad race , I couldn ’ t think of a better teacher . I didn ’ t go off to school , I just listened to everything he taught me to do . I guess it came naturally after that . Coming back from a run , I tell him what I feel and what I hear . It ’ s awesome to come back and look at the run on the computer and compare thoughts and ideas for the next run . Being able to race with my dad is pretty awesome . I couldn ’ t ask for a better guy to have as a crew chief and a father . My dad works hard , and I look up to that .”

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE McHUGH GALOT Motorsports Park | Benson , North Carolina | Friday , September 9 , 2016

CAUGHT !

30 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 116