MIKE STAVRINOS

self to makes calls on tune-ups,” Stavrinos says.“ We’ ve got a great group.”

As the NHRA Pro Mod class continues to grow – now managed by a racer-led committee with expanded TV coverage and hospitality – Stavrinos is grateful for KH’ s full return to the sport at such a pivotal time. While discussions have circulated of NHRA taking control of the Pro Mod program, Stavrinos believes its current state allows teams to find a balance between managing their racing programs with their personal businesses. As the owner of Speed & Truck World, a custom automotive shop, Stavrinos says this balance is crucial.

“ My biggest struggle with full-time racing is balancing our business and racing together because without the business, racing is not going to be there,” says Stavrinos, who works with his father and brother in the family business.“ We need to have a successful business in order to go drag racing.”

The south Florida business, owned and operated by the Stavrinos family since 1972, has played a major part in Mike’ s successful racing career. Nowadays, in order to keep everything running smoothly at home, Stavrinos will often book latenight flights on Thursdays and Sundays in order to be back at work by Monday morning. While the

weekends can be long and exhausting, Stavrinos enjoys every second of the current journey he’ s on.

With deep roots in racing, Stavrinos built his career in Outlaw 10.5 and No Time. He has made a name for himself over the years with his diverse roster of showstopping machines. As a racer who thrives on high-stakes matchups with big purses, the excitement of NHRA Pro Mod racing is comparable to the same thrill he’ s experienced in the grudge racing scene.

“ When you’ re grudge racing, you could be racing for $ 20,000, $ 50,000, or $ 100,000 purses.

It’ s almost like a final round at your biggest race every single time you go to the starting line,” Stavrinos says.“ Racing at the professional level almost feels the same way.”

Now, as a professional NHRA Pro Mod competitor, Stavrinos is prepared to rise to the challenge once again in 2025, aiming to bring Al- Anabi Racing back to the winner’ s circle at the pinnacle of doorslammer drag racing. With a year of experience under his belt and a powerhouse team behind him, the stage has been set for an exciting season ahead. DI

46 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 193