© Jeff Riedel/Contour by Getty Images

Boca Raton, FL (May 30, 2012)— It’s been nearly two years since NHRA driver Alexis DeJoria’s infamous crash at the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ, when she went barreling through the sand pits and safety nets after her brakes failed and her parachutes ripped off the back of her Top Alcohol Funny Car. Although understandably shaken up by the incident, the tough-as-nails Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patron Toyota Camry Funny Car driver hasn’t let fear keep her from fulfilling her dreams of racing professionally in a Nitro-fueled Funny Car.

Of returning to Englishtown, DeJoria said, “Obviously it’s an intense race and there are a lot of emotions flowing. It’s a tough weekend for a lot of people. We’ve seen so much sadness there, and I feel so grateful and blessed that I’m able to return to that track when others weren’t so fortunate,” she said, referring to the tragic deaths of Neal Parker and Scott Kalitta, son of legendary Top Fuel and Funny Car racer, and owner of Kalitta Motorsports, Connie Kalitta.

DeJoria’s violent crash is what initially sparked the relationship between her and the Kalitta family, which eventually led to her joining their team. “This weekend is especially emotional for me, but in a good way. It will be not only my first time visiting the track as a Nitro Funny Car driver, but also as a member of the Kalitta Motorsports team, so it’s almost like I’ve come full circle. We’ve all been through a lot there, but I’m excited and honored to come back as part of such a wonderful organization.”

Historically, Englishtown has been a good track for DeJoria. “I’ve always done well there, and believe it or not, it’s my absolute favorite track. Even when I had my crash, I was running my ‘career best’ at the time, so I’m hoping we can run some good numbers this weekend, and go a few rounds on race day,” she said, adding, “I just want to stay very focused on doing my job and not get too wrapped up in the emotional side of it.”

Alexis DeJoria and the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patron Toyota Camry Funny Car team will compete this weekend, June 1st-3rd at the 43rd Annual Toyota NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, NJ. Funny Car qualifying begins at 4:30PM on Friday.

About Alexis DeJoria

Alexis DeJoria, daughter of the famed John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and proud owner of Tequila Patron, is a professional NHRA race car driver, competing in the Nitro Funny Car class on the Kalitta Motorsports team. She is their second Nitro Funny Car driver and fourth member of the team. Alexis drives a Tequila Patron-sponsored 2012 Toyota Camry.

Alexis had a successful career in the Top Alcohol Funny Car category where she co-owned and operated her team, and was one of the few females ever to do so. She left the TAFC category holding the title of Top Female Top Alcohol Funny Car Racer and 2011 NHRA Northwest Nationals TAFC event champion. 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 TAFC race. She is currently the female world record holder for the fastest and quickest TAFC speeds. Alexis is also well-known for her infamous 2009 Englishtown, NJ crash.

Alexis, who had all the opportunity in the world to pursue any type of career, felt strongly about following her passion. 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.

About Kalitta Motorsports

Based in Ypsilanti, Mich., Kalitta Motorsports is a Top Fuel and Funny Car drag racing team in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The team was founded and is owned by drag racing icon Connie “the Bounty Hunter” Kalitta. For more than 50 years, Connie has been involved in the sport as a driver, tuner, and an owner. Kalitta Motorsports is one of the most successful teams in the history of auto racing with five world championships and over 50 national event titles in five different professional drag racing sanctioning bodies since it was established by Connie in 1959.