{"id":5708,"date":"2016-10-11T07:00:10","date_gmt":"2016-10-11T12:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=5708"},"modified":"2016-10-10T20:46:43","modified_gmt":"2016-10-11T01:46:43","slug":"nhra-funny-car-driver-alexis-dejoria-hopes-for-big-finish-starting-at-aaa-texas-nhra-fall-nationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/10\/11\/nhra-funny-car-driver-alexis-dejoria-hopes-for-big-finish-starting-at-aaa-texas-nhra-fall-nationals\/","title":{"rendered":"NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria hopes for big finish starting at AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/u>ENNIS, Texas \u2013 The 2016 NHRA<\/a> Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season has not gone as planned for Alexis DeJoria<\/strong>. But while her first world championship may not happen this season, DeJoria still has big hopes to finish out her year.<\/p>\n

\"2016_alexis_dejoria_action\"<\/p>\n

DeJoria fractured her pelvis during a crash at Sonoma Raceway in late July, forcing her to miss a pair of races. She narrowly made the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship but has struggled as of late, falling in the first round at the past three races. It\u2019s kept her 10th in points but the chance for a big finish is still there in her 10,000-horsepower Tequila Patron Toyota Camry, starting at the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex., Oct. 13-16.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe triumph in the face of adversity,\u201d DeJoria said. \u201cCertain things can make or break a team. We’re a strong team and we’ve proven that time and time again. Obviously the door is pretty much closed for the championship but we definitely can move up spots and races. There are still four races left to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were winners of last year\u2019s event that will air on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) for the first time.\u00a0 On Oct. 16th, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage starting at 2 p.m. (ET).<\/p>\n

\"2016_alexis_dejoria\"<\/p>\n

It marks the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship, which DeJoria has advanced to for the third straight season. This one hasn\u2019t gone to plan thus far with opening-round losses in Charlotte and St. Louis, but there is still time to finish the year with more than one memorable moment. One of those for the Austin, Texas resident includes doing well at the Texas Motorplex.<\/p>\n

\u201cDallas is my one of new home tracks so it would be incredible for us to win there,\u201d said DeJoria, who has four career Funny Car victories. \u201cI’ve been racing in Dallas since my Super Comp days so I have a lot of experience at that particular track, considering my somewhat young career compared to most out there. It would obviously be great to get another win before the closing of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n

While dealing with the adversity of overcoming the injury, DeJoria also managed to show strong improvements in the star-studded Funny Car class. She credits a team, led by crew chief Tommy DeLago, that has continued to take steps in the right direction. To win in Dallas, she\u2019ll have to get past the likes of teammate and defending event winner Worsham and points leader Ron Capps, who has five wins this season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe continue to improve every year, especially with all of the changes that have been made to the car,\u201d DeJoria said. \u201cSeveral new things have been implemented to help our performance. It’s somewhat of a learning curve with the new headers, but I think we’ve done pretty well. We’re headstrong. It speaks volumes that we missed two races but we were still able to make it in to the top 10 and the Countdown to the Championship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Racing in October also gives DeJoria a chance to continue her \u201cFree Mammograms for the Fan\u201d\u2019 campaign, which offers fans the opportunity to receive a free mammogram and will take place for the second time at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur team will continue to provide free mammograms as long as we are out on the race track,\u201d DeJoria said. \u201cThe outpouring of support for this program has been amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Top Fuel, Crampton will try for back-to-back Dallas wins, but must hold off the likes of points leader Antron Brown, who won the Countdown opener, Doug Kalitta, eight-time world champ Tony Schumacher and St. Louis winner Shawn Langdon.<\/p>\n

Dominating the new era of Pro Stock is points Jason Line and Greg Anderson. Line has eight wins, including the Countdown opener, and Anderson has seven victories.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Andrew Hines is after his third straight world title and has five wins in 2016, but Angelle Sampey has closed the gap to just two points.<\/p>\n

The AAA Texas NHRA Nationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they\u2019re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet.<\/p>\n

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 12:45 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-668-6775. Tickets also are available online at www.texasmotorplex.com.\u00a0<\/a>; Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. For more info, visit www.NHRA.com.\u00a0<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHAT:<\/strong> 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, the 22nd of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the fourth of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Texas Motorplex, Ennis, Texas. The track is located at 7500 W. Highway 287.<\/p>\n

COURSE:<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Championship drag strip; Track elevation is 500 feet above sea level; Track direction is southwest to northeast.<\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/strong> Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 13-16<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:<\/strong>
\nTHURSDAY, Oct. 13 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, Oct. 14 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying<\/p>\n

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, Oct. 15 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations<\/p>\n

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, Oct. 16 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:<\/strong>
\nFriday Oct. 14, FS1 will televise one hour of live qualifying coverage at 7:30 p.m. (ET).<\/p>\n

Saturday Oct. 15, FS1 will televise one hour of qualifying coverage at 8 p.m. (ET).<\/p>\n

Sunday, Oct. 16, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage starting at 2 p.m. (ET).<\/p>\n

2015 EVENT WINNERS:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Richie Crampton, Top Fuel; Del Worsham, Funny Car; Erica Enders, Pro Stock; Jerry Savoie, Pro Stock Motorcycle.<\/p>\n

MOST VICTORIES:<\/strong><\/p>\n

John Force, FC, 7; Tony Schumacher, TF, 6; Warren Johnson, PS, 5; Cruz Pedregon, FC, 4; Greg Anderson, PS, 4.<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Top Fuel – 3.705 sec. by Richie Crampton, Oct. \u201915; 329.18 mph by Dave Connolly, Oct. \u201915<\/p>\n

Funny Car – 3.909 sec. and 326.32 mph by Jack Beckman, Oct. \u201915<\/p>\n

Pro Stock – 6.457 sec. and 214.59 mph by Greg Anderson, Oct. \u201915<\/p>\n

Pro Stock Motorcycle – 6.744 sec. and 198.99 mph by Jerry Savoie, Oct. \u201915<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Top Fuel – 3.671 sec. by Steve Torrence, July \u201916, Sonoma, Calif.; 332.75 mph by Spencer Massey, Aug. \u201915, Brainerd, Minn.<\/p>\n

Funny Car – 3.822 by Matt Hagan, Aug. \u201916, Brainerd, Minn.; 335.57 mph by Hagan, May \u201916, Topeka, Kan.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March ’15, Charlotte, N.C.;\u00a0 215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201814, Englishtown N.J.<\/p>\n

PS Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct. \u201912, Reading, Pa.; 199.88 mph by Hector Arana Jr., March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.<\/p>\n

TICKETS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For tickets call (800) 668-6775. Tickets are also available at www.texasmotorplex.com.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a>;<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

GLENDORA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the fifth annual AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park, the 20th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series –<\/p>\n

Top Fuel<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Antron Brown, 2,258; 2.\u00a0 Doug Kalitta, 2,245; 3.\u00a0 Tony Schumacher, 2,204; 4.\u00a0 Shawn Langdon, 2,181; 5.\u00a0 Brittany Force, 2,167; 6.\u00a0 Steve Torrence, 2,161; 7.\u00a0 J.R. Todd, 2,152; 8.\u00a0 Richie Crampton, 2,127; 9.\u00a0 Leah Pritchett, 2,107; 10.\u00a0 Clay Millican, 2,084.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Funny Car<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Ron Capps, 2,273; 2.\u00a0 Tommy Johnson Jr., 2,225; 3.\u00a0 Jack Beckman, 2,203; 4.\u00a0 John Force, 2,199; 5.\u00a0 Del Worsham, 2,189; 6.\u00a0 Matt Hagan, 2,177; 7.\u00a0 Robert Hight, 2,159; 8.\u00a0 Courtney Force, 2,149; 9.\u00a0 Tim Wilkerson, 2,144; 10.\u00a0 Alexis DeJoria, 2,068.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Pro Stock<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Jason Line, 2,310; 2.\u00a0 Greg Anderson, 2,247; 3.\u00a0 Bo Butner, 2,223; 4.\u00a0 Vincent Nobile, 2,185; 5.\u00a0 Shane Gray, 2,167; 6.\u00a0 Chris McGaha, 2,135; 7.\u00a0 Allen Johnson, 2,127; 8.\u00a0 Drew Skillman, 2,126; 9.\u00a0 Jeg Coughlin, 2,084; 10.\u00a0 Erica Enders, 2,052.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Pro Stock Motorcycle<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Andrew Hines, 2,260; 2.\u00a0 Angelle Sampey, 2,258; 3.\u00a0 Chip Ellis, 2,243; 4.\u00a0 Jerry Savoie, 2,218; 5.\u00a0 Eddie Krawiec, 2,184; 6.\u00a0 LE Tonglet, 2,138; 7.\u00a0 Hector Arana Jr, 2,115; 8.\u00a0 Hector Arana, 2,107; 9.\u00a0 Cory Reed, 2,105; 10.\u00a0 Matt Smith, 2,096.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Story and photos courtesy of the NHRA<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          ENNIS, Texas \u2013 The 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season has not gone as planned for Alexis DeJoria. But while her first world championship may not happen this season, DeJoria still has big hopes to finish out her year. DeJoria fractured her pelvis during a crash at Sonoma Raceway in late July, forcing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5713,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[329,6,328],"class_list":["post-5708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-aaa-texas-nhra-fall-nationals","tag-nhra","tag-texas-motorplex"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/2016_Alexis_DeJoria_Action.jpg?fit=3600%2C2400","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-1u4","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5708"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5714,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5708\/revisions\/5714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}