NHRA's Alexis DeJoria
DeJoria raced four times in 2011 for Kalitta Motorsports.
Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, we'll have the driver of the NHRA's Patron Tequila car, Alexis DeJoria stopping by to chat about her season, as well as this weekend's upcoming U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, the last event before the Countdown to the Championship.
DeJoria, @AlexisDejoria, is in her first full season in NHRA's Funny Car class and is the daughter of business mogul John Paul DeJoria, owner of Paul Mitchell and Patron Tequila. She spent 10 years as a Paul Mitchell executive before leaving to race.
Send your questions now and join DeJoria Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET!
Alex (Lockport,NY)
Did you have fun at Norwalk's Night Under Fire?Alexis DeJoria
I did! It was really cool to be a part of the show. Unfortunately it rained and we only got in one run. But it was a really cool event.Chris (Denver)
Anything from your time in the business world that you can use behind the wheel?Alexis DeJoria
Definitely. I learned a lot working for the family business for four years out of high school that I took with me when I ran my own team. It is definitely a business and if you want to be successful and ahead of the game, you have to know both sides.Alex (Lockport,NY)
How would you assess your season so far? Did you meet, exceed, or were you below your expectations?Alexis DeJoria
I have definitely exceeded my expectations. But I've also been disappointed. I've seen both sides of it. This year was all about learning about driving these beasts. It's been a great season so far, we have a lot of races to go. I really do think because we have a consistent car that we can win before the season is over.Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)
What Drag Race do you think that you will win at in 2012?Alexis DeJoria
It really doesn't matter. I think one of them is possible. I had never driven at Bristol and my team had never gone in Bristol. We had no information so for us to go to the finals, you never know when it's your time.James Piccarreto (Rochester, NY)
What is your favorite racing memory?Alexis DeJoria
Bristol. For sure. That was unreal. We were so thrilled so early on to do that. We had a good car. And I felt confident in my driving ability. Del and I were beside ourselves.Doug (CT)
Have you gotten Dad to any events?Alexis DeJoria
He does. It's pretty surprising too, with his busy schedule. He makes it to 4-5 races a year now that I'm in the pro ranks. He's here in Indianapolis at the Nationals.Larry (Houston)
biggest test this weekend?Alexis DeJoria
We're really good in qualifying and down the track. It's just getting past that first round is sometimes our biggest challenge. If we can qualify well get into the top 10 and get past the first round, we'll be doing good.Gary (FL)
Goals for the team's future?Alexis DeJoria
Championship. I want a championship real bad. My ultimate goal. That would be pretty awesome.Wanda (Fort Worth)
Who was your favorite NHRA driver growing up?Alexis DeJoria
It was Del and John for sure. When I got my liscense I had both of them sign it. I was learning in Del's car and John was there. That was the best thing ever.Joe (Seattle)
So what are your goals the rest of the season?Alexis DeJoria
Just to stay consistent. Do the best I can. I need more experience. Cutting good lights. Listening to what my crew chief has to say and soaking up as much as possible. I think the rest will fall into place.Jeff (RI)
Are other drivers jealous of your sponsor?Alexis DeJoria
Jeff! Hey my mom's side of the family is from Rhode Island! I love it there. We seem to have shared the love. If anybody's been jealous, they haven't shown it.Mitch (San Francisco)
Saw you a few weeks ago on the Western Swing at Sonoma. How would you describe what it's like to pull up the starting line with that engine sitting right in front of you?Alexis DeJoria
It's been a thrill. I've raced for 5 years, so it's not a new thing to me, but it's everything I ever dreamed of.Buzz (Pompano Beach)
What do you need to improve on to get that first Wally?Alexis DeJoria
I don't really know. I think it's just sometimes the luck of the draw. Having a car that makes it down the track. It just depends on what you got.Dave (San Francisco)
how do you describe a race?Alexis DeJoria
You're locked in super tight. You're really focused. Everything quiets down. I like to stay calm. I react better to things that way than if you're all hopped up.Gary (Sacramento)
When do you know you've won a round or lost it? Is it right away you can tell?Alexis DeJoria
Sometimes I can tell. Other times, I go back to the crew asking them if I won or not and they tell me.Kyle (VA)
how do you relax away from the track?
