Pomona, California — Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car, made an early first round exit at the final day of the 48th Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, the last event of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
The fourteenth qualified Patrón team smoked the tires early into their round one run, allowing their opponent and Championship contender, Jack Beckman, an easy win.
Although out early, DeJoria and her team are proud to have qualified in the competitive Sunday show, which saw twenty-two Funny Cars vying for a spot in the sixteen car field.
“We all of course wish we could have taken Beckman out and advanced to the next round, but we’re still pleased that we qualified and secured our spot for a chance to compete on race day.”DeJoria’s first season as a full-time Nitro Funny Car pilot has been filled with highs and lows, and a stunning display of media attention.
With the last race of her rookie season now behind her, DeJoria and the Patrón team, led by first-year crew chief Del Worsham, plan to use the ‘off season’ to regroup, refocus and rethink their strategy going into the 2013 season.
The primary goals for next year are to finish the season in the Top Ten, and pick up their first victory.
“My team and I, we’ve learned so much in this rookie year. Not only was it my first year as full-time Funny Car driver, but we had rookie crew members and Del as a first time crew chief as well, so it was a learning experience for all of us,” said the NHRA fan-favorite.
“I can hardly believe that the year is over and we’re packing up here in Pomona. I’m so proud of how far our team has come. I think we’re all just looking forward to taking everything that we’ve accomplished this year and applying it to next year and really go at it hard.
I have a lot of confidence that the Patrón team will be one to beat next season. I have so much faith in our team.
As for me, I’m looking forward to taking a little time off and soaking up everything that I’ve learned from this year and carrying that knowledge into the 2013 season.
Before we all know it, we’ll be back here in Pomona for the Winternationals, racing again in front of our friends, family, and loyal fans.”
Alexis DeJoria and the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team will spend a full week in West Palm Beach, Florida in January 2013 testing at was is commonly referred to as ‘The Winter Warmup.’
Kalitta Motorsports
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