Team Patron looking for a strong start

Team Patron looking for a strong start

Pomona, Ca, (February 22, 2011) – With great anticipation and a fresh, new look, the Patron Alcohol Funny Car team is excited about beginning the 2011 NHRA Lucas Oil season off on a great start. After a busy off season that included building a new Victory Race Car chassis and topping it off with a new Chevrolet Monte Carlo body and Patron livery, the Patron team has worked diligently to test and prepare for the season opening event.

“I am really excited to roll into Pomona with our new car and get back to racing said driver Alexis De Joria. We have made some big changes and believe with our recent test results in Las Vegas that we have a great combination to be competitive and win some races this year. Our team goals haven’t changed, we want to win races and finish in the Top 10 in Lucas Oil championship points”.

The Patron team has remained consistent with Nick Bastiao making the tuning calls as Crew Chief and veteran consultant Sam Shockley assisting with their new combination. De Joria adds, “Our Patron team has worked together for a couple of years and I am really comfortable with our new combination and racecar. I feel good in the seat and believe we have tremendous potential to start off strong in Pomona and continue to improve with each lap”.

Considered her home track, Pomona is where De Joria and her Patron team hope to make their first win in Alcohol Funny Car come to fruition. “To be able to win at home with my family and friends would be awesome. It’s going to be a fast, fun weekend and hopefully a late night in the winner’s circle Sunday night”.

Event Schedule

The Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals begin qualifying on Thursday, February 24th at 12:30 a.m. and continues Friday, February 25th at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for the Top Alcohol Funny Cars. First round eliminations begin Saturday, February 26th at 12:45 p.m. Final eliminations begin Sunday, February 27th at 12:30 p.m.

ESPN2 TV Schedule

Sunday, March 13 3:30 – 4:30PM (ET)