NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Alexis DeJoria and the Tequila Patrón Funny Car team will not compete at this weekend's Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd while DeJoria continues her recovery from a pelvic fracture. 

The injury to the Kalitta Motorsports driver was sustained during a crash on July 31 at the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals. During the first round of eliminations, DeJoria’s car lost traction and made contact with the retaining wall. The powerful impact caused a high-energy fracture to her left iliac wing and forced DeJoria to miss the Protect the Harvest NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Lucas Oil in Seattle the following week.

While she had her sights set on returning to the seat of her Patrón Camry at this weekend’s Brainerd event, DeJoria remains sidelined, under the advice of her treating physician.

“I was hoping and planning on being at Brainerd. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen,” said the four-time Funny Car winner, who has already claimed one win in 2016.

“With it being a fracture, the healing time is six to eight weeks, and as much as I wanted it, the harsh reality is there just wasn’t enough time between Sonoma and Brainerd for that area to be healed properly. Even though I feel better, and yes, I’m physically able to return to the seat, the fact of the matter is I have a cracked pelvis. Any slightly concussive movements could make that fracture develop into a full-blown crack, and if that were to happen, that would cost me and my team the whole season.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it was a decision that had to be made. My doctor, my crew chief, and I assessed the situation and determined that the risk right now for further injury is too great. When you weigh it out, missing one more race is better than missing the entire season, and the reality is if I were to go out there and shake or have any intense movements, that could very well be the final straw.”

DeJoria is eager to get back to the track in order to protect her position in the top 10 and qualify for the upcoming NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. She currently sits in 10th with 765 points. In order to have an opportunity to make a run for the championship, DeJoria must be locked into a top-10 spot by the conclusion of the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, the next event after Brainerd. Although not definite, DeJoria, along with her doctor, feel confident that by the start of qualifying for the U.S. Nationals on Sept. 2 her body should be healed enough to safely absorb the rigors of racing.

“I’ll keep chipping away at it,” she said, adding, “I’m getting better every day. My sights are set on Indy. By then, that’ll be five weeks of healing time, and I should be at 90 percent and pretty healed and ready to go. I’m working hard to ensure I achieve that goal.
 
“Not only does this decision give me more time to heal and recover, but it also gives my team sufficient time to get my chassis and Camry bodies to 110 percent performance ready. We’re all chomping at the bit. It’s hard to miss one race and even harder to miss two, but it’s something that comes with the territory.

“I can’t let my ego dictate my recovery. I’m extremely grateful it wasn’t worse, and I came out of it able to race another day.”

In the remaining weeks leading up to the U.S. Nationals, DeJoria will continue to focus on her rehabilitation. Her recovery plan includes regular visits to her physical therapist’s office, an at-home regimen of exercises, and a cutting-edge laser therapy treatment intended to speed up healing and stimulate tissue repair and cell growth.

“My bones will heal when they heal. I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m headed in the right direction. With physical therapy a few times a week, I’ve slowly been able to regain my range of motion.

“I miss my team, my crew chiefs, my teammates, everyone I race with and race against, the fans; I miss it all. I miss being out there. Big thanks to everyone for their support through all of this. I really appreciate it, and I can’t wait to get back.”

DeJoria and the Kalitta Motorsports Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team are scheduled to compete next at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, although their entry in the event is uncertain at this time.