Tough Weekend in the Windy City for the Alexis DeJoria Racing Team

Tough Weekend in the Windy City for the Alexis DeJoria Racing Team

Venice, CA (July 11, 2011) – Mechanical issues caused the race weekend to be cut short for the Alexis DeJoria Racing Team at the 14th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, IL this past weekend.

The team went into the first round of qualifying with high hopes. Unfortunately, the car shook pretty bad off the line, and Alexis aborted the run. After the disappointing run, the crew closely combed through the car back at the pit and when they disassembled the motor, discovered a crack right down the center of the crankshaft, a very rare and unexplained occurrence. Upon further inspection, more damage was found.

With time being sensitive, the team did everything they could to prepare for the second round, but the damage was too significant, and they were unable to make the second qualifying round on Friday.

The third round of qualifying (and the team’s only chance to make it into eliminations), was like deja vu for team driver, Alexis DeJoria. “The car shook really bad in low gear. I pedaled it again, and yet again, the motor quit on me. At first, I thought it must’ve been the same issue that we dealt with in the first round, but it turned out the motor was fine,” said Alexis. A separate mechanical error occurred and ended the team’s chances to qualify and compete on race day.

“We started the season out so strong, and the whole team is so troubled right now because of this string of inconsistencies and just plain bad luck. I feel so bad for the team; they really need a win. Of course I want to win too, and it’s heartbreaking to think that might not be possible with only two races left in the Alcohol car, but more than anything, I’m bummed out for the guys. They’re putting a lot on themselves and they take it really hard” said Alexis. She then went on to say “we just need to start getting down the track consistently again. I’m really hoping things can turn around with these last couple of races. We have the second fastest car in the world in TAFC- let’s show everyone what we can do with it!”

The Alexis DeJoria Racing Team will compete next at the 24th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, WA August 5th-7th.

About Alexis DeJoria

Alexis DeJoria, daughter of the famed John Paul DeJoria, of Paul Mitchell Systems, and Patrόn Spirits, is currently the Top Female Top Alcohol Funny Car Racer. Her team, Stealth Motorsports, co-operated by Alexis, is one of the few female-owned and operated teams in the industry. Alexis made racing history when she competed in the first ever ‘woman vs. woman’ race in her class in 2010, and she is the 2nd woman ever to win a Top Alcohol Funny Car race. Alexis is the female world record holder for the fastest and quickest speeds, and her car is currently the second fastest car in the world in the TAFC category. Alexis is also well-known for her infamous 2009 Englishtown, NJ crash.
Alexis, who has all the opportunity in the world to pursue any type of career, felt strongly about doing something she is passionate about, and she is proud to encourage and inspire young women to go after their dreams. Alexis’ need for adrenaline drove her to pursue the unlikely profession of auto-racing. The determination to ‘blaze her own trail’ continues to drive her and push her to higher levels in the dangerous, male dominated sport of drag racing. Alexis will transition into the Nitro Funny Car category in the fall of 2011. She will receive assistance from the Kalitta Motorsports team.

Media Contact info:
Alexis DeJoria and members of Alexis DeJoria Racing are available for interview. Please contact Allison McCormick at (561) 279-7827 x306 or allison@alexisdejoria.com