The name Lizzy Musi is synonymous with power, perseverance, and breaking barriers in the world of drag racing. While being the daughter of legendary engine builder and drag racer Pat Musi came with its own set of expectations, Lizzy wasn’t one to ride on her father’s coattails. She carved out her path, becoming a champion driver and a trailblazer for women in motorsports. From the tracks of the PDRA to the reality spotlight of Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings, Lizzy’s journey was filled with record-breaking performances, emotional victories, and inspiring moments of resilience.
Photo by Radical Speed
Rising to the Challenge in PDRA Pro Nitrous
Lizzy’s drag racing story started with humble beginnings in Jr. Dragsters, where she learned the basics of the sport. But she had her eyes set on something bigger. Under the guidance of her father, she graduated to Top Sportsman and then made her mark in PDRA Pro Nitrous. This is where Lizzy Musi’s name started to gain weight in the drag racing world. Behind the wheel of Frank Brandao’s “King Kong 5” Dodge Stratus—the same car her dad famously piloted in NHRA Pro Mod—Lizzy rewrote history by becoming the first woman to win in the Pro Nitrous class at Virginia Motorsports Park in 2014.
Lizzy’s tenure in Pro Nitrous was nothing short of extraordinary. She racked up a total of five event wins, placing her fifth on the class’s all-time win list and earning her third place on the all-time low qualifier list. Her class speed record of 209.23 MPH set in October 2018 still stands as a testament to her skill and tenacity.
Trailblazing on Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings
The next chapter in Lizzy’s career was her entry into the popular Discovery series Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings (NPK). With her father’s horsepower under the hood, Lizzy made history once again, becoming the first woman to win in the NPK series. And she didn’t stop there. Lizzy became the first driver in the series to win three consecutive events, cementing her place as one of the most formidable competitors on the circuit. Over her career in NPK, Lizzy achieved 136 round wins, seven invitational victories, and 12 invitational final-round appearances. She remains one of the most accomplished drivers in NPK history.
Battling Cancer with Unwavering Determination
In April 2023, Lizzy revealed in a candid YouTube video that she had been diagnosed with triple-negative stage 4 breast cancer—a fast and aggressive form of the disease. This news stunned the racing community and her legion of fans, but Lizzy’s response was nothing short of inspiring. Instead of stepping away from racing, she chose to keep doing what she loved, with her doctors’ approval.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
Throughout her treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Lizzy kept her head in the game and took to the track. Her resilience was rewarded when she won her first NPK event of the season in Tulsa with her new “Bonnie 2.0” ’69 Camaro. Her victory was emotional and well-earned, as Lizzy fought not just to win races but to prove that she still had the fire within her despite the immense challenges she faced.
Reflecting on her victory, Lizzy expressed gratitude: “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.”
Lizzy’s Final Battle and Lasting Legacy
In 2024, Lizzy’s battle took a turn as the cancer spread to her liver and lymph nodes. After trying various treatments in the U.S., Lizzy made the decision to seek specialized care in Germany. She was determined to explore every avenue in her fight, showing the same drive and fearlessness that characterized her racing career. Unfortunately, despite her courageous efforts, Lizzy Musi passed away on June 28, 2024, at just 33 years old. Her passing left a deep void in the drag racing community, but her legacy remains etched in the sport’s history.
Photo by Radical Speed
Lizzy’s memorial service, held on July 2, 2024, was attended by her family, friends, and fellow racers from across the racing world. Her influence extended beyond the NPK and PDRA ranks, with racers from all classes honoring her memory with heartfelt messages on their cars.
Remembering a Champion
Lizzy Musi was more than a talented drag racer—she was an icon of resilience, determination, and passion. She inspired countless young women to chase their dreams and showed everyone that obstacles are meant to be faced head-on. Her achievements on the track, combined with her fight against cancer, leave a legacy of courage and perseverance that will continue to resonate with fans and fellow racers for years to come.
From all of us here at Street Outlaws Talks, Lizzy Musi’s story isn’t just one of winning races—it’s one of winning hearts, changing perceptions, and leaving a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten. Rest in peace, Lizzy Musi. Your legacy lives on in every pass down the track and in every racer you’ve inspired.