Alexis DeJoria is currently enjoying a full-circle moment with John Force Racing as the driver of the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car. The opportunity came together during the 2025 NHRA offseason after JCM Racing announced it would discontinue its professional-level Top Fuel and Funny Car programs.
We recently caught up with DeJoria to discuss her goals for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, reflect on some of her greatest accomplishments, and revisit a few of her favorite memories from a career filled with success.
A Strong Start To NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Season
Through the opening portion of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season, DeJoria has found success behind the wheel of the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car.
Her season highlights include a provisional No. 1 qualifying effort at the NHRA New England Nationals and runner-up finishes at both the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville and the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK.
Despite the strong start, DeJoria has her sights set on something bigger.
Chasing Wins At Every NHRA Track
When it comes to goals for the season, DeJoria has set the bar high for both herself and the John Force Racing team.
“We need some trophies. It’s been a long time,” DeJoria says. “I would love to win at any track, even ones that I’ve already won at. My highest goal is to get a trophy at every track on the circuit. So far, I’ve had a few wins in Vegas, one in Indy, one in Brainerd, and one at Phoenix, to name a few. I’ve got a lot of good wins, but there’s plenty still on my bucket list of places I would like to win at.”
Why Bristol Dragway Is Her Favorite Stop
Of all the tracks on the NHRA tour, Bristol Dragway remains DeJoria’s favorite.
The Tennessee facility has been the site of several career highlights, and its unique setting continues to stand out among the NHRA schedule.
“I’ve had a lot of good luck in Bristol,” DeJoria says. “I’ve qualified number one, gone to a few finals, and even won there. I just love the way the track runs through two mountains. Tennessee is absolutely beautiful, and I love the people there.”
Her Favorite Funny Car Livery
Throughout her career, DeJoria has driven some of the most recognizable Funny Cars in the NHRA. When asked about her favorite paint scheme, she immediately thought back to her time with Kalitta Motorsports.
“During the Kalitta days, we had this amazing painter based out of Michigan paint all our cars,” DeJoria recalls. “We had some of the most amazing paint jobs on the Patrón Funny Car. I’d say my favorite one out of all of them, which is hard to choose, would be the Patrón XO Café Incendio Toyota Camry Funny Car.
“The whole car was black with painted flames on it in a cool way. It wasn’t obnoxious. The NHRA liked it so much that they put it on display at SEMA one year. That was my favorite thing they ever did with the body.”
Winning The U.S. Nationals Remains Her Greatest Memory
When asked about her greatest accomplishment and favorite memory at the drag strip, DeJoria immediately pointed to her victory at the 60th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Adding even more significance to the moment, she defeated John Force, the same team owner she now drives for, to earn the victory.
“My favorite memory at a drag strip was when we won the 60th Anniversary Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis,” DeJoria says. “My whole family was there to see it. My father, my kids, my husband at the time, and all of the Kalitta teams were standing right behind my car.
“The starting line looked insane, it looked like a party. When we crossed the finish line first, the TV guy panned over, and everybody was losing their minds. My dad jumped four feet in the air, and then they did the Kalitta dog pile. My dad jumped in there and got stuck in the middle, so one of the guys had to pull him out.
“My dad was so excited to be there. That’s by far the best memory ever. And to be able to give that trophy back to Connie Kalitta was so special because he was the only other Kalitta driver who had won the U.S. Nationals prior.”
Looking Ahead With John Force Racing
As the 2026 NHRA season continues, DeJoria is excited about what she and her John Force Racing team can accomplish together.
With two runner-up finishes already on the board, a provisional No. 1 qualifying performance, and a competitive Funny Car program underneath her, DeJoria appears poised to add another win to her résumé in the near future.
If the first part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season is any indication, Alexis DeJoria’s full-circle return to John Force Racing may be just getting started.
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