Musi qualified her Frank Brandao-owned 2009 Stratus in the number one position over a PDRA record 32 Pro Nitrous entries with a career-best 3.74 seconds at 199.23 mph over the VMP eighth mile. Harris started from the second position after posting a 3.79-second qualifying pass.

In eliminations, Musi beat David Campbell, Jay Cox and John Camp to reach the final, while Harris raced through George Williams III and Tommy Franklin before catching a break in the semis when Chris Patrick left too early to throw away a 3.87 run that easily would've beaten the 4.20 posted by Harris when the engine in his '68 Firebird sustained damage.

Musi was overcome with emotion at the top end of the track after the win, remaining in her car for several minutes while gathering her thoughts and composure. "This is unbelievable, like a dream come true. Well, it is a dream come true," she said upon exiting. "I've been dreaming a long time about winning a race and for it to finally come true is, well, I don't even know what to say."

The Mooresville, NC-based driver went on to praise her crew for their hard work and dedication to getting the job done, singling out crew chief Gary Henry and her father for making the right calls both at the shop and in the pits. Pat Musi said he "couldn't be prouder" of his daughter.

"That kid, she deserves this win. I couldn't be happier for her right now," he said. "She's put in the work and learned what she needed to and everyone on this team recognized that and that's why they all work so hard to help her. We know we have the car, we know we have the driver, so now all we have to do is go out there get it done again."

Lizzy Musi purges the “King Kong.” (Chris Haverly photo)

In the final round, Harris left first with a slight .007 advantage, but Musi won with another solid 3.88 performance at 181.64 mph, while Harris faded to a 4.24 at 136.90-mph effort. (Chris Haverly photo)

Lizzy (second from left) with her father Pat.  (Chris Haverly photo)