Last weekend at the NHRA Mello Yello series national event in Sonoma, California, Alexis DeJoria who drives the Tequila Patron nitro funny car suffered a pretty nasty wall banging wreck which fractured her pelvis. In an amazing show of her toughness, she got out of the car under her own power and actually walked to a golf cart that drove her back up the track before she realized that there was something more serious wrong. You will see the car hit so hard that it actually launches itself off the ground. DeJoria was taken to a medical center where she was evaluated and the fractured pelvis was discovered. The injury requires no surgery but physical therapy will be part of the recovery plan.

While the news of her not needing surgery is great, there’s a lot of questions swirling around the car now. The team has withdrawn understandably from the Seattle race this weekend but the natural question is whether or not someone will be stuck into the seat of the car to keep it out and about until DeJoria returns or if it will be parked until she is recovered. The Kalitta operation announced the addition of another funny car with Paul Lee driving for the last four races of the season so could he step in for Alexis while she is recovering?

We’re expecting some developments on this situation next week. Stay tuned.

Here’s the statement from her team and below that the video of the wreck – 

SONOMA, Calif. (July 31, 2016)— During the first round of eliminations at the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, Kalitta Motorsports Funny Car pilot Alexis DeJoria experienced an accident that required a trip to the trauma center.

DeJoria, driver of the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry, was competing in the left lane alongside opponent John Force in the opening round of eliminations on Sunday morning at Sonoma Raceway. The Patrón Toyota Camry lost traction and made a violent turn to the left as soon as DeJoria stepped on the throttle, causing her Camry to make impact with the left retaining wall.

DeJoria exited the vehicle under her own power, but immediately knew something was wrong. Upon a quick evaluation from on-site medical personnel, she was transported via ambulance to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in nearby Napa. After x-rays and a CT scan, doctors diagnosed DeJoria with a high-energy fracture of the left pelvis. The fracture was caused when she struck the wall. The injury does not require immediate surgery, but is extremely painful. DeJoria is in good spirits and was more concerned with the condition of her race car, and if it was ok. She was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon, and will start intense physical therapy as soon as possible, determined to get back on the track.

DeJoria and the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team were scheduled to compete next at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, Washington, but due to injuries sustained, that race is to be determined.

About Alexis DeJoria

Alexis DeJoria is a professional race car driver, competing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series’ Funny Car class. DeJoria drives the Tequila Patrón-sponsored 2016 Toyota Camry as a member of the legendary Kalitta Motorsports team. DeJoria, who had all of the opportunity in the world to pursue any type of career, felt strongly about following her passion, and her 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 sport of NHRA drag racing. She is a four-time Funny Car winner and made history when she became the first woman to compete in 100 Funny Car events.

About Tequila Patrón

From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, Patrón tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though Patrón has grown to become one of the most-recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about Patrón tequilas and liqueurs, please visit www.patrontequila.com.