A New England homecoming for Alexis DeJoria at the Epping race

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Although she’ll always consider herself a ‘California girl’ there is a special place in NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria’s heart for the New England area. Many may not realize that DeJoria, who moved from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas in December 2012, spent several years of her early childhood living in Narragansett, R.I., and is looking forward to racing in front of her Northeastern family and friends this weekend at the 2nd annual Auto Plus NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, N.H.

Prior to the race, DeJoria, who pilots the fourth ranked Kalitta Motorsports Patrón XO Cafe Toyota Camry nitro Funny Car, will spend time in Narragansett with family. On Friday morning, an army of about 30 family members will make the trek from Rhode Island to Epping to watch DeJoria compete, and the ninth-year NHRA racer plans to put on a good show.

Epping is the second of a four-in-a-row stretch of back-to-back races. The team had a decent weekend at the race prior, picking up both second round and qualifying bonus points. So far this season, they have two wins, a history making run, a track record, and a No. 1 qualifier under their belt. Although they were disappointed about getting eliminated in the second round last weekend in Bristol, they’re pleased with the consistency of their 10,000-horsepower Toyota Camry and feel confident in their warm-weather tune-up as they head into these hot summer races. Thankfully, before they head into the historically hot Joliet and Norwalk events, they’ll have another opportunity to race in cooler weather this weekend, which typically leads to ultra-quick runs.

“Last year in Epping we didn’t do so hot,” said DeJoria, “but since we’ve been doing so well this year, I’m excited to get back there and see what numbers we can throw down. It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s, so we should be able to make some powerful runs.”

The Kalitta Motorsports Patrón XO Cafe Toyota Camry Funny Car team begins qualifying for 2nd annual Auto Plus NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, N.H. at 5PM EST on Friday, June 20.

Alexis DeJoria Racing