De Joria Pictured in the far lane. (Sam Martin file photo)

Top Alcohol Funny Car competitor, Alexis De Joria is headed to Norwalk, OH., for the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals held at Summit Motorsports Park, and from Friday to Sunday De Joria will be concerned about going rounds and attempting to collect the Wally in the Top Alcohol Funny Car division. On Monday, however, Alexis will have much different goals. If all goes to plan Alexis will be making her first runs in her Nitro Funny Car in testing on Monday.

De Joria and team will be stepping up with assistance from the Kalitta Motorsports team. Last year De Joria announced that she planned on beginning the season in the Top Alcohol ranks, but hoped to transition towards fuel towards the latter part of the season.

Alexis has spent time behind the wheel of a nitro flopper in the past as she licensed last year with help of respected Top Fuel pilot Del Worsham. Look for De Joria to continue as a fan favorite as her sponsorship from the Patron Spirits Company will move with her as she continues to grow her career in NHRA drag racing.

It appears De Joria and Tequila Patron team are still following their busy schedule from last season to make certain the crew enters NHRA competition well tested and comfortable with their new roles. De Joria has found her share of success in the Top Alcohol Funny Car ranks and on March 14, 2011, was briefly the quickest and fastest driver in the category with a 5.446 second lap and a separate pass that netted her a 267.91 mph blast, both bested by  pilot Frank Manzo later in the weekend.  Still, Alexis’ runs still give her rights to the quickest and fastest female title in the NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car Category.