Alexis Dejoria - NHRA World Finals Preview

Team Patron looking for a strong finish

Pomona, Calif. – After visiting the final round in three of the last four races, Alexis De Joria and the Patron Tequila team are looking to finish the 2009 season on a positive note and achieving their season long goal of finishing in the Top 10 of the Lucas Oil Series championship points.

“It’s been a whirlwind season for sure said third year veteran alcohol funny car driver De Joria. We began the season as a new team and by mid-season we found our groove and started going rounds. We had a big set back at Englishtown, but since Indy we have been able to get our performance and consistency back and it’s shown as of late. We have been fortunate enough to make it to the final round in the last two national events and have a lot of confidence going into Pomona; hopefully we can keep the good momentum going”. “I’m proud of Bob Newberry, Nick Bastiao and all the Patron guys, they have given me a competitive car and I hope to give them and everyone at Patron Tequila a win”.

After competing in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category in her first two seasons based in Southern California, De Joria moved south and east to Bronson, FL to form Stealth Motorsports along with former rookie driver Nick Bastiao. Collectively they chose three-time Lucas Oil Champion Bob Newberry to be their Crew Chief. The Patron Tequila team has overcome tremendous odds in 2009 with a potential season ending accident in Englishtown, NJ after running a career best 5.55 at 260 mph. The team debuted a new car at Indianapolis, IN over Labor Day weekend and have continued improve at each race to climb into the 11th position in Lucas Oil Series championship points going into the finals.

Courtesy of Bob Lawson