NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

A fantastic finish to the 2021 season did wonders for Alexis DeJoria’s psyche at the end of last season. It’s also done quite a bit to get her and the rest of her standout team energized for the 2022 campaign.

After a string of near-misses throughout an encouraging 2021 Funny Car campaign, DeJoria broke through over the final three races, winning in Bristol — grabbing her first win since 2017 — and then advancing to the final round at the World Finals.

She finished a career-best sixth in points and had DeJoria won in Pomona, it would have meant a third-place finish.

Still, there was plenty to be excited about and, rest assured, that energy has carried through to 2022.

“This year is going to be one for the books and I think it’s going to be amazing,” DeJoria said. “The camaraderie on this team, we’re all on the same page and we’re the only team that hasn’t had any turnover. Everyone is the same from last year and I’m so grateful for that.

“We all believe in each other and we’re in it for the long haul. They all love working for Del (Worsham) and I’m so lucky to have the team we have.”

DeJoria raves about the passion she sees from the team, which is led by Worsham and Nicky Boninfante, but she matches it at every turn.

That much was obvious during the pivotal weekend in Bristol where everything came together, including a No. 1 qualifier. 

By finishing the job and getting the win, it marked a huge breakthrough for DeJoria and the team. The difference between a string of strong finishes and an actual win is minuscule in the loaded Funny Car ranks, but the impact is remarkably meaningful, and DeJoria saw that with her team after the Bristol triumph.

She had been to five semifinals and one final in 2021 before that weekend, also qualifying second six different times. But everything changed in Bristol with the team’s strong performance, and it could have long-lasting effects.

“The difference is we know we have what it takes now,” DeJoria said. “We have what it takes and that’s so important. It motivates everyone and it’s just magical. For it all to come together at that track, it was just a dream come true.”

DeJoria believes it could push the team to new levels, too, especially with the arrival of the new Toyota GR Supra body.

The potential seems immense, and the body has drawn rave reviews at every turn. That includes DeJoria, who now has another reason to be excited for the 2022 Funny Car season. The team has big expectations right off the bat, but DeJoria welcomes that, especially with the chance to try and perform at a high level with a new car.

“I’m thrilled because I remember the Supras on the street. They were the baddest cars around and they were so awesome, and I wished Toyota would bring them back,” DeJoria said. “The Camry was amazing, but the Supra is more fitting for the sport.

“Other manufacturers have their sporty bodies, but I think this looks the best. It looks absolutely amazing.”