Alexis DeJoria Interview

Alexis DeJoria, one of the new and exciting faces in professional drag racing, made her way onto the NHRA Funny Car scene in 2012. She immediately made her presence known as the driver of the Tequila Patron Toyota Camry for team owner Connie Kalitta.

The season began with such promise for the rookie driver from Venice, CA, running the 3rd quickest ET by a female Funny Car driver, a 4.03 at the Englishtown event and making it to the event finals at the Thunder Valley event in Bristol.

After a solid 2012 season as a rookie, DeJoria is anxious for the start of the 2013 season.

"It has been an exciting year for me, I have learned so much throughout the season," the Tequila Patron rookie driver stated. "For the first time in my career I was able to race the entire season, though it's a shame that it's the last race of 2012 (The interview took place during friday's qualifying session at the Auto Club Finals in Pomona, CA)." Alexis added, "I feel that we have learned so much as a team and we will carry that knowledge into next season and really come out strong for the 2013 season. Being that we are a new team, 2012 was more about learning, and the Kalitta Funny Car team will only be stronger for the upcoming year."

During her years in the Alcohol Funny Car Class, Alexis was only able to travel to certain tracks due to her participation in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The move to Nitro Funny Car wouldprovide her with new opportunities and a greater reach to meet and greet new fans and that had her very excited:

" I have never been to so many different places before," Alexis exclaimed. "I have been able to travel to Europe , to Mexico, and to so many wonderful places."

And I also asked her what she does in the days leading up to an event.

"I like to to arrive a few days before an event to familiarize myself with the track and the facility, and I am having such a great time."

Alexis' first taste of the Nitro Gene began at the 1996 Winternationals, and she has been hooked ever since. Despite being a racer herself, she sees being a racing fan first and foremost.

"I always like to watch as much of the action as possible if I am eliminated early," stated DeJoria. "I still want to watch as much of the racing as I can because I am very passionate about the sport of drag racing."

During the course of the interview, Alexis and I touched on a variety of subjects, one of which is the various tattoos that she has. As many race fans know, pieces of artwork tell a certain story about a part of their lives or mark a special moment or someone. The rookie FC driver told of three tattoos in particular that are of special significance to her:

"My F-15, Rods and Pistons, and flags. As a kid I always wanted to be a fighter pilot. It was a dream of mine, and it was something I pursued and racing helped bring it full circle," The Likeable DeJoria told me "I actually got the F-15 Strike Eagle tattoo before the ride aboard the actual fighter jet. The racing rods and pistons are from my funny car, and the flags are my ode to speed"

Recently, Toyota and their partners gathered some of their best drivers to participate in Toyota Dream Build Challenge. Nascar drivers Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, along with NHRA Stars Antron brown and Alexis DeJoria were asked to participate in the contest that benefited numerous charities. Alexis has a love for all things racing and decided on building an Off-Road racing truck for the competition. It got her excited from the beginning:

"It was such an honor to be chosen by Toyota beings that I am their rookie driver. Obviously I wanted to go Off-Road racing. It's always been in my heart and it was an awesome truck to build" The energetic racing enthusiast told me "I had such a great time visiting Hemet, CA and visit the shops at Racer Engineering (who helped in the process of the build).

And finishing second in her mind was a win since it benefited many deserving charities

Yes we did finish second in the Dream Build Challenge and received $25,000 for our charity. It was so great for all parties involved. I hope that at some point they will let me drive the truck LOL, but it will be on display at various car shows in the US"

When any driver is able to drive for one of the most revered names in the sport in Connie Kalitta, the feeling of excitement is evident. Immediately upon receiving the news that she would be driving for the "Bounty Hunter", The Daughter of Patron CEO John Paul DeJoria fell in love with the legendary driver from Ypsilanti, MI from the start:

"I fell in love with Connie when I first met him. He has such a passion for what he does and he is such an inspiration" The excited driver told me "We (the team) have been thru alot, and he has such a heart of gold. he is a great man and it's an honor to driver for him"

As the 2012 Full Throttle season comes to an end, many teams take a look at how their season has gone and along the way share the love that they feel for the sport of drag racing with their fans. Some drivers look inside themselves and try to find ways to improve their skills, and that is just what the Venice, CA driver is doing to prepare for the 2013 Mello Yello season:

"Next season, it's all about the fight. I try not to put too much pressure, and it's hard to do that because I am a perfectionist; and I expect alot" Said the Female Funny Car Star "I definitely get that aspect from my father. It's hard not to have that be a part of your upbringing. John Paul (Dad) is such a hard worker and has instilled that into his children." Alexis then added " Like Dad, I expect 110% of myself all the time. People have told me that you're a little too hard on yourself beings that it's your first year, and you gotta roll with the punches"

The Driver known to race fans as "La Patrona" Confindently stated "I am going to take everything that I have learned this year and apply it for next season and fight for the gold. Next season: BRING IT ON!