Alexis Dejoria - NHRA World Finals Wrap Up

Team Patron closes season in second round at Pomona

Pomona, Calif. – Alexis De Joria driver of the Tequila Patron Mustang has successfully secured the 11th position in Lucas Oil Championship Points after being defeated today in the second round of racing at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.

After failing to make the top 16 in qualifying, De Joria and the Patron Team were able to compete in eliminations after Ken Webster wasn’t able to make the call due to going into the sand trap during qualifying. De Joria was the first alternate and made the most of her opportunity during the first round with a holeshot victory over # 11 qualifier Steve Burck with a 5.677 at 256 mph to Burck’s quicker, but losing 5.672 at 228 mph.

The Patron Team continued to improve their performance during eliminations; however, De Joria faced Daniel Oliver in the second round, and lost a close race 5.62 to a quicker 5.61 for Oliver. “We struggled a bit in qualifying and weren’t able to run as quick as we wanted said a dejected De Joria, after getting behind the eight ball, we ran quicker every run, but just didn’t have enough to get around Oliver”. “We really had high hopes after making it to the last two final rounds at national events and we really, really wanted to finish in the Top 10 in Lucas Oil Championship Points for the team and everyone at Patron who have supported us so much this year”. “We have nothing to be ashamed of and I’m very proud of all of my guys for giving me 110% all year. We will go back to the shop and start working on next year”.

In De Joria’s three years of competing in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category, the 2009 season will be known as one the most exciting. After a possible season-ending crash at Englishtown, NJ on June 14th, De Joria the Patron Team built a new Mustang and finished the season strong providing her best points position to date.


Courtesy of Robert Lawson