MOVERS & SHAKERS
TRACKING THE TRACK : Lanny Miglizzi , the longtime track specialist for John Force Racing , relies on specialized equipment and years of experience to read the track surface at Pacific Raceways during the NHRA Northwest Nationals .
RACIN ’ RICO : Rico Garner has enjoyed a 50-plusyear career at Piedmont Dragway , beginning with his epic match races with Roy Hill in the early 1970s . In the decades that followed , Garner has racked up five championships at Piedmont , and has also held every position imaginable , including head of security , promoter and announcer . On Big Dog night , he still races a 5.50 Dodge Daytona , and even announces between rounds .
‘ CHAOS ’ FIRST FAMILY : Tera Graves , who works with husband Chris Graves to put on the Funny Car Chaos and Nitro Chaos series , walks the pits at Eddyville with son Levi .
NITRO YOUNG GUNS : Funny Car drivers Bobby Bode and Blake Alexander pose for a quick photo in the Head Racing pit area . While the Bode family didn ’ t bring their Illinois-based Funny Car operation on the Western Swing , the second-generation driver tagged along with Alexander and the Head Racing team as a crew member .
ROLL OUT : PDRA Pro Boost contender Rob Cox eases his ProCharged Cox Trucking Camaro out of the trailer to begin preparing for a full day of qualifying at the PDRA North vs . South Shootout at Maryland International Raceway .
74 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 184