TRIBUTE : LIZZY MUSI
been going through and dealing with this cancer diagnosis – a lot of people had their doubts about me ,” Lizzy said after the win . “ I ’ m very thankful and blessed that I can keep doing what I ’ m doing . It hasn ’ t put me down . I still have the fire in me . I can still do what I do , and it hasn ’ t changed . I have such a huge support system that keeps me going . My family has been so supportive . It ’ s incredible , and I ’ m so thankful for that .
“ Me and my dad got emotional at the top end , but we both know that we went through hell and back to get to where we ’ re at . I look up to him so much ,” Lizzy added .
Musi earned a second consecutive win on the NPK tour , winning the Firebird Raceway final round , which was completed at Bandimere Speedway . She finished the season tied for seventh in the NPK invitational points standings .
The 2024 season started off promising for Musi as she continued to work with doctors to find treatment options that would address the
cancer , which had also spread to her lymph nodes and liver . She won a match race series over fellow NPK racer Jeff Lutz at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod in March , then raced to a final-round finish at Empire Dragway in May . Shortly after , she announced a hiatus from the
NPK tour so she could travel to Germany for a special cancer treatment .
“ I ’ ve kind of tried everything here [ in the U . S .], and I ’ ve researched the doctor and treatment in Germany that can isolate my liver and treat it ,” said Lizzy .
“ The medical system in this country just isn ’ t what it is in Europe ,” Pat added . “ Lizzy did all the research on this doctor and the treatment , and he reassured her that he could help . They ’ re way advanced from where we are , and they don ’ t have all these FDA regulations .”
Around a month after Musi left for Germany , she passed away on June 28th in the comfort of her own home while surrounded by family . The Musi family held a memorial service on July 2nd , which was attended by family , friends , and numerous fellow racers . In the days and weeks following her passing , racers in classes ranging from the NHRA pro classes and NPK to the Jr . Dragster ranks carried memorial messages on their cars . Musi created an indelible legacy in the sport , and she will be missed . DI
24 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 190