Alexis DeJoria Archives – Horsepower & Heels

Alexis DeJoria returns in 2020

October 16, 2019 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA drag racing driver Alexis DeJoria returns in 2020 to nitro Funny Car competition full-time after a two-year hiatus. DeJoria will make her reentry into the sport beginning with the 2020 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California.

DeJoria made her NHRA Funny Car professional debut in 2011 at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, winning five races during her professional stint, including the prestigious 2014 NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. She announced her retirement at the conclusion of the 2017 season.

Though DeJoria enjoyed a slightly slower-paced lifestyle in retirement, the thrill and excitement of driving an 11,000-horsepower machine never left the back of her mind.

“I honestly knew deep down when I made the announcement to retire at the end of the 2017 NHRA season that it was going to be sort of an open-ended retirement,” said Alexis. “I’m beyond excited to get back out there. I’ve been blessed spending time with my family these past two years off. This was a decision I made with their support, and we are all looking forward to my return to the driver’s seat.”
Alexis DeJoria

Her independent return into Funny Car will be lead by Nicky Boninfante and Del Worsham. Boninfante and Worsham will serve as co-crew chiefs on DeJoria’s Funny Car operation. The trio have longstanding history extending back nearly a decade. Worsham witnessed and signed off on DeJoria’s Funny Car licensing paperwork when she piloted his car in 2010 before taking the lead as her crew chief during her rookie season in 2012. Boninfante took over tuning duties for DeJoria in 2017 after working along side her during her tenure at Kalitta Motorsports.

“I now have this incredible opportunity to build a team with two of the people who were by my side when I started my nitro Funny Car career. Del is my mentor and the person whose car I licensed with in the first place, and Nicky was one of the first people at Kalitta who I talked to when I made the transition from Top Alcohol Funny Car to nitro Funny Car. Del and Nicky, they’re the ‘dream team’ for me, and I’m eager to embark on this new adventure with them.”
Alexis DeJoria

DeJoria’s partners, including her primary sponsor, will be announced at a later date.

Alexis DeJoria withdraws from Charlotte

April 28, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria withdraws from Charlotte, NC’s 8th Annual 4-Wide Nationals event scheduled for this weekend. The popular drag racing driver cited a family matter as cause of her absence in a statement from her camp.

We wish all the best for Alexis DeJoria and her family, and hope that she returns quickly to the tour. In her absence, DeJoria has appointed Kalitta Motorsports Director of Safety and established Funny Car pilot Chad Head to drive the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry.

DeJoria, who was already feeling under the weather at the previous event in Houston, is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of her Patrón Funny Car as soon as possible.

Head and the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team will began qualifying for the eighth annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on Friday, April 28 at 4:30 PM EST.

DeJoria under the weather in Houston

April 24, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Despite their star driver not feeling 100%, the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car qualified in the No. 9 position with a 3.946 second, 322.34 mph performance during Baytown, TX qualification rounds. DeJoria was able to improve on that in round one of eliminations, taking the win against Tim Wilkerson with a 3.927 second, 327.03 mph pass against his 8.109 second effort, advancing her to round two. There, she would face Advance Autoparts driver, Courtney Force, but just couldn’t make the same charge to the finish line, running a losing 4.146 E.T. at 260.16 mph to Courtney’s 3.947 E.T. at 294.37 mph.

It’s been a bit of a rough weekend for me. I’m fighting a possible case of walking pneumonia. We’ll see when I get home and talk to the doctor but I definitely haven’t been feeling great this weekend so I’ve been trying to be extra strong and do my job, and I think I did a good job,” said Alexis. “We had a solid start; made three good, consistent passes in qualifying. On race day we got a round win, and almost a second round win. We’re strong right now and I’m excited for the next race. I’ve got a great team. Who needs luck when you’ve got a group like this.”

NHRA Countdown to the Championship Points Standings

Alexis and the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team leave the NHRA Spring Nationals in 11th place in the NHRA Championship points chase with 208 points. She sits outside the top ten by just 3 points.

Round 2 loss for Alexis DeJoria

April 3, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

The Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Drag Racing Las Vegas Nationals event ended in a Round 2 loss for Alexis DeJoria, Driver of the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car.

Alexis qualified in the No. 8 position with a 3.936 E.T. at 327.27 mph. She faced J.R. Todd in the opening round of eliminations, taking the win with a 4.054 second, 320.97 mph performance to Todd’s losing 9.752 ET at 77.54 mph. A matchup with Gary Densham resulted in a Round 2 loss for Alexis DeJoria, who’s red light 4.052 at 319.67 mph pass was disqualified, allowing Densham’s run of 4.551 at 190.73 to advance to the semifinals.

We definitely had a good setup in the heat for race day. It looked like we were headed to a semifinal, quite possibly. Unfortunately, I left a little too early in the second round and got a red light for us. We’re going to stay and test on Monday. I’ll just get out there, make runs, hit the tree and shake it off.”

NHRA Countdown to the Championship Points Standing

Alexis DeJoria and the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car leave Las Vegas with 154 NHRA championship points, ranking them 12th in Funny Car points standings.

Female Professional of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

The Female Professional of the Year 2016 category was the most hotly contested race in this year’s award program. The category received 34 nominations and 209 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards. This year, two automotive industry professionals battled it out for the top spot, and a late rally determined your Professional of the Year for 2016.

Professional of the Year 2016 – Courtney Lambert

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Female Professional of the Year 2016 – motorcycle industry staple, Courtney Lambert!

An always smiling, familiar face in the motorcycle industry, Courtney Lambert stays entrenched in all things two-wheels. Whether you find her traveling the roads avoiding mayhem with Allstate, behind the counter at Kory Souza Originals, or over the airwaves on her very own radio show, she knows only one pace in life, Wide Open. Her busy schedule takes her across the country, to bike weeks and rallies as a Allstate Insurance spokesperson doing stage shows and emceeing national events.

Courtney began hosting her own talk radio show about motorcycles called Wide Open Radio in 2010, and regularly features motorcycle industry talent and icons to the show. Courtney also manages the frontend of Kory Souza Originals, taking care of all the phone calls, billing, foot traffic, marketing, events, product releases and some of the sales for her other half – custom builder, Kory Souza.

Professional of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Jessica Kennedy

Shotgun Shocks Go-To Girl, Jessica Kennedy, is your Professional of the Year 2016 Runner-up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Professional of the Year 2016 Nominees

Erica Enders
Janette Thornley
Sarah Burgess
Leah Pritchett
Heather Carter
Elaine Larsen
Courtney Force
Kayli Barker
Alexis DeJoria
Shannon Giust
Alex Rogeo
Terri Chandler
Dina Parise
Sarah Edwards
Angelle Sampey
Melanie Salemi
Sara Price
Danica Patrick
Ellen Eschenbacher
Mia Tedesco
Lizzy Musi
Christy Miller
Megan Meyer
Valerie Clemens
Aileen Collins-Love
Elisa Coon
Cheryl Hyrn
Ashley Force-Hood
Annie Whiteley
Brittany Force
Annette Bauer

Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

The Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 category received 28 nominations and 85 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards. These are women who not only excel in their fields, but also serve as ambassadors and help encourage and influence women in automotive and motorsports. This was one of the tightest races in the history of the awards, and at the end, it was a deadlocked decision.

Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 – Shirley Muldowney/Erica Enders

A dead even finish resulted in the first two-way tie for the Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 category winner. Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the 2016 Women of the Year Most Influential category winners – Shirley Muldowney and Erica Enders!

Both of these NHRA Drag Racing ladies have made considerable contributions to the sport. Shirley Muldowney was one of the ground breaking women that helped to usher in female participation to the sport, winning countless races and championships in her time at the highest level of Top Fuel. Erica Enders is the modern day champion, a two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, and one of the most prolific winning women in racing today.

Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Jessica Kennedy/Courtney Lambert

Where the women of drag racing dead-locked for the top spot, the women of the motorcycle world tied up the runner-up position. Shotgun Shock owner and go-to gal Jessica Kennedy, and Kory Souza Originals and Allstate Motorcycle spokesperson Courtney Lambert tied for the 2016 Horsepower & Heels Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Runner Up positions.

Most Influential Woman of the Year 2016 Nominees

Kayli Barker
Elaine Larsen
Janette Thornley
Cheryl Hryn
Terri Chandler
Sarah Burgess
Leah Pritchett
Courtney Force
Sarah Boyce
Alexis DeJoria
Kate Gundlach
Brittany Force
Shannon Giust
Aileen Collins-Love
Annamarie Strawhand
Sara Price
Marina Anderson
Megan Meyer
Ellen Eschenbacher
Karen Sullivan
Susan Roush
Ariel Biggs

Female Racer of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

Female Racer of the Year category received 41 nominations and 112 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards. This category had an early front-runner, with a few solid challengers through out, but was able to hold strong until the close.

Female Racer of the Year 2016 – Janette Thornley

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Female Racer of the Year 2016 category – Harley Pro Fuel racer, Janette Thornley.

Last year, she finished in the runner up position, but this year, her fans shot her up to the number one spot. Congratulations to Janette!

Female Racer of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Aileen Collins-Love

Sprint Car racer Aileen Collins-Love was your Female Racer of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Female Racer of the Year 2016 Nominees

Erica Enders
Melanie Salemi
Kayli Barker
Heather Carter
Leah Pritchett
Elaine Larsen
Nina Gusler
Lilian Cacioppo
Shannon Giust
Alexis DeJoria
Cheryl Hryn
Angelle Sampey
Jessi Combs
Jackie Fricke
Pippa Mann
Courtney Force
Amber Balcaen
Sarah Burgess
Vonnie Mills
Donna Gerstel
Jody Perewitz
Shanna Snyder
Michelle Furr
Mia Tedesco
Sarah Edwards
McKenna Haase
Brittany Force
Danica Patrick
Journee Richardson
Afton Swanson
Sondra Leslie
Sarah Boyce
Yvonne Lucas
Lexi Fruggiero
Laura Landry
Megan Meyer
Lilian Cacioppo
Mali Greenfield

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016

January 4, 2017 // by Horsepower & Heels

The Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 category received 25 nominations and 54 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards. This category recognizes the team that contributes the most to women in motorsports. An early front runner set the stage, but another nominee closed the gap for a 2 vote victory.

Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 – Randy Meyer Racing

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the Women of the Year Female Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 category – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Super Team, Randy Meyer Racing. Home of Meyer Sister Racing duo Megan Meyer and Rachel Meyer, the family TAD dynasty Randy Meyer Racing began with father Randy and has now debuted rising talent in rookie daughters Megan and Rachel. The team regularly assists other young developing drivers with licensing and TAD debuts.

Megan Meyer completed her first full season in the TAD class for 2016, with Rachel Meyer making her TAD debut mid-season. Both ladies are instrumental behind the scenes as well, crewing and maintaining the family business. Rachel will make her full-season debut with a new dragster in 2017, and the team plans to continue their winning legacy in the class.

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Runner Up – Dream Chaser Racin’

The Harley Pro Fuel team of Janette Thornley, Dream Chaser Racin’ is your Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Runner-Up for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Motorsport Team of the Year 2016 Nominees

Larsen Motorsports
Elite Motorsports
Miss Behaving Racing
Hellion B Team
John Force Racing
Alexis DeJoria Racing
Melanie Salemi Motorsports
BMI Racing
Terri Chandler
Shannon Giust
Love Motorsports
Car Chix
Kayli Barker Racing
Cheryl Hryn Racing
Show N Tell Racing
Speed Sisters
Nancy Matter Motorsports
Cars Protection Plus
Boyce Racing
Sarah Burgess Racing
Karri Beebe Racing
Mad Mike Molea Racing

Alexis DeJoria injured in first round accident

August 1, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Funny Car driver, Alexis DeJoria injured in first round accident during the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, is undergoing treatment for a broken pelvis after a trip to the local trauma center.

DeJoria, driver of the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry, was competing in the left lane alongside opponent John Force in the opening round of eliminations on Sunday morning at Sonoma Raceway. The Patrón Toyota Camry lost traction and made a violent turn to the left as soon as DeJoria stepped on the throttle, causing her Camry to make impact with the left retaining wall.

DeJoria exited the vehicle under her own power, but immediately knew something was wrong. Upon a quick evaluation from on-site medical personnel, she was transported via ambulance to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in nearby Napa. After x-rays and a CT scan, doctors diagnosed DeJoria with a high-energy fracture of the left pelvis. The fracture was caused when she struck the wall. The injury does not require immediate surgery, but is extremely painful. DeJoria is in good spirits and was more concerned with the condition of her race car, and if it was ok. She was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon, and will start intense physical therapy as soon as possible, determined to get back on the track.

The Patrón Toyota Camry qualified No. 11 with a 3.946 second, 319.45 mph performance before Alexis DeJoria injured in first round accident.

DeJoria and the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team were scheduled to compete next at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Washington, but due to injuries sustained, that race is to be determined.

Alexis DeJoria’s appearance at Gino’s East

July 7, 2016 // by Horsepower & Heels

NHRA Drag Racing fans can take part in a special meet and greet opportunity with Funny Car driver Alexis Dejoria’s appearance at Gino’s East. The top ten-ranked Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car driver will join Jordan Himmel in the kitchen of the renowned Gino’s East establishment tonight to help make the world-famous Gino’s traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizzas. DeJoria will then jump behind the bar to teach Himmel how to make her version of a perfect Patrón margarita, and sign autographs for fans in attendance.

Alexis DeJoria’s appearance at Gino’s East

The Alexis DeJoria appearance at Gino’s East will kick off at 5:00 PM in the Chicago establishment, and serve as the unofficial opening activities for her weekend at the K&N Filters Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, IL. The fan-favorite event at Route 66 Raceway, located at Chicagoland Speedway south of Chicago, marks the official start to the second half of the 24-race 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

WHEN: Thursday, July 7
5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

WHERE: Gino’s East
162 E. Superior St.
Chicago, Ill. 60611