Alexis DeJoria To Miss Brainerd As Pelvic Injury Rehab Continues

NHRA Drag Racing

Alexis DeJoria and the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car team will not compete in the NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 19-21, while DeJoria recovers from a pelvic fracture.

The injury to the Kalitta Motorsports Funny Car pilot was sustained during a crash at the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals. On July 31st during the first round of eliminations, DeJoria’s car lost traction and made contact with the retaining wall in her lane. The powerful impact caused a high-energy fracture to her left iliac wing, and forced DeJoria to miss the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle the following week.

I was hoping and planning on being at Brainerd. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen.

While she had her sights set on returning to the seat of her Patrón Toyota Camry at this weekend’s NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event in Brainerd, 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, a fierce competitor, is eager to get back to the track in order to retain her position in the Top 10 and qualify for the 2016 NHRA Countdown to the Championship. 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 NHRA U.S Nationals in Indianapolis, the next event after Brainerd. Although not definite, DeJoria, along with her doctor, feel confident that by the U.S. Nationals, September 2-5, her body should be healed enough to safely absorb the rigors of racing.

Photos courtesy Gary Nastase Photography

Photos courtesy Gary Nastase Photography

 “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 will be five weeks of healing time and I should be at 90%, 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% 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.”

I’m getting better every day. My sights are set on Indy. By then, that will be five weeks of healing time and I should be at 90%, pretty healed and ready to go.

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, 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.”

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

About the author

dragzine

Dragzine® delivers the hard-hitting news, rumors, and event coverage that drag racers crave from NHRA, IHRA, NMCA, PDRA, Outlaw, and Drag Radial events, not to mention videos, in-depth car features, tech articles, and interviews. It’s drag racing — 24 hours a day! Our goal is to deliver to you the quickest news and insights in the drag racing world. You’ll also find some of the best technical content on the web — from installations, dyno tests, project vehicles and more.
Read My Articles

Drag Racing in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Dragzine, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

We'll send you the most interesting Dragzine articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Street Muscle Magazine
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
Diesel Army
Diesel Army
Engine Labs
Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Streetmuscle Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • Diesel Army Diesel Army
  • Engine Labs Engine Tech

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Dragzine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Dragzine - Drag Racing Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading