NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Mike Stavrinos, a longtime standout in nearly every heads-up category, is set to fulfill a longtime dream when he joins the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series in 2024.

Stavrinos has joined Mike Janis Racing for a two-car Pro Mod effort and will make his NHRA debut in Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the first of 10 Pro Mod events next season. The Florida-based Stavrinos will also have the opportunity to race in Phoenix as the class visits the newly renamed Firebird Motorsports Park for the first time.

“This has been my dream since I was a little kid, to race at this level in a sport that I live for,” Stavrinos said. “I started racing at 8 years old in Jr. Dragster and have worked my way up through the years. This is ultimately where I want to be: NHRA Pro Mod. This is it.”

After a successful debut in 2023, the four-race Road to the Championship format will return in 2024 for NHRA Pro Mod racers and will allow Stavrinos to compete for the title at stops in Indianapolis, Charlotte, St. Louis, and the season finale in Las Vegas.

“I’m excited to work with a great group of guys like Mike Janis Sr., Mike Janis Jr., and the entire Janis Racing Team,” Stavrinos said. “They have added even more talent to the team, which will help keep us at the top of the pack with both cars throughout the season.

"These guys ran strong in 2023 season and a great performance at the finale in Vegas. Pro Mod will be one of the toughest classes in the NHRA series next year in my eyes with all the new cars and teams that will be participating. I’m just stoked to have the opportunity to be a part of this great team and compete.”

Throughout his career, Stavrinos has competed in local Pro Mod racing, No Time Grudge Racing (N/T), and even the Radial vs. the World Radial class. As grateful as he has been for those opportunities, none of them stack up to the level of excitement that he has for living the dream of becoming an NHRA Pro Mod racer.

“I love the energy and connection that I have with the team here at Mike Janis Racing. Connections and relationships are big and very important to me, like a quarterback and his wide receivers in football. Everyone must click, and that’s exactly how Mike Janis Jr. has made me feel. To say the least, I am very excited, and I am going to give it my all.”

“I truly feel that Mike Janis Jr. and I have a good shot at being competitive in the chase for the championship in NHRA Pro Mod.  We have a lot of new things planned throughout the 2024 season, including a brand-new car for myself to pilot later in the year.”

Stavrinos was quick to thank his team back at Speed & Truck World, his dad who has been there to support him since day one, and girlfriend Cami, his biggest supporter, who is beside him with every move. Stavrinos plans to begin testing late January 2024 while upgrading his license for NHRA Pro Mod competition. His debut is scheduled for the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 7-10, at Gainesville Raceway.