Brainerd Pre-Race Report
NHRA Brainerd Nationals
Event 15 of 22
Brainerd International Raceway
Brainerd, Minn.
Aug. 19-21, 2022
ALEXIS DEJORIA: Driver of the Bandero Premium Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car
Noteworthy:
With two races remaining before Countdown positions are set, DeJoria is looking to make a move this weekend in Brainerd. She currently sits in eighth and is six points behind the No. 7 ranked driver, and less than two rounds behind J.R. Todd, who occupies the No. 6 position
During the 2014 event, DeJoria became the first Funny Car pilot to clock a sub-four second run on the BIR track (3.998 E.T. during round two of eliminations)
Quotable:
“I’ve been in Brainerd since Tuesday, and got to spend a much needed rest-and-relaxation day with my team out on the lake yesterday. It’s been a grind lately, especially for my guys. We went straight from the Western Swing to Norwalk, got that big Night Under Fire win, and from there, it was off to Topeka and then we were headed north to Minnesota. We all desperately needed a day off yesterday, and now we’re feeling refreshed and recharged and ready for the race weekend.
“Brainerd has been kind to me over the years. We won the race in 2017, and in 2014, I was actually the first Funny Car pilot to clock a sub-four-second run at BIR. We know that when the conditions are right, this track can hold big numbers, so hopefully the weather will hold up this weekend and we’ll be able to put on a good show for the fans. Our Bandero Toyota Supra team is currently sitting eighth in points but we’re only six points behind Cruz (Pedregon), and less than two rounds behind our Toyota teammate, J.R. Todd, who’s in sixth. The goal is to start the Countdown ranked as high as possible, so we need a good showing this weekend to put some more points on the board and put us in striking distance.”
About Alexis DeJoria
Alexis DeJoria is a professional race car driver competing in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ Funny Car category. She is a Top 10-ranked driver, and including her prestigious 2014 U.S. Nationals triumph, DeJoria is a six-time NHRA national event Funny Car champion. Prior, DeJoria found success competing in the NHRA’s Super Comp and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories where she notched wins in both, making her an eight-time race winner overall.DeJoria joined DC Motorsports in 2020 as co-owner and driver of the Bandero Premium Tequila/ROKiT Toyota Funny Car. The Austin, Texas resident became the first woman to clock a sub-four second Funny Car pass in 2014, and is currently in pursuit of becoming the series’ first female Funny Car world champion.
