Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Bandero Café Funny Car, is gearing up for a strong performance at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, taking place May 16–18 at Route 66 Raceway.
Coming off a semifinal finish in Charlotte, DeJoria carries significant momentum into Joliet, where she previously qualified fifth and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2024. Her recent performance secured her participation in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge scheduled for Saturday.
“We’re feeling very confident in our abilities right now,” DeJoria said. “The team has picked up great momentum, and I truly believe a win is soon to come. Joliet has always been special, and I’m excited to compete at such an iconic track again.”
DeJoria made history at Route 66 Raceway in 2023, competing in her 200th professional Funny Car event and becoming the first woman to reach this milestone. She previously made history in 2016 by becoming the first female Funny Car driver to compete in 100 events.
With 240 career races under her belt, including six wins and six No. 1 qualifiers, DeJoria is focused on capturing another career victory this weekend.
Fan Engagement Opportunities:
- Friday, May 16:
11:30 a.m. – noon – Autograph session at the Bandero Premium Tequila midway display - Saturday, May 17:
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. – Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge driver autograph session (Mission Foods midway display)
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Autograph session at the Bandero Premium Tequila midway display
Event Schedule:
- Qualifying: Friday, May 16 – Saturday, May 17
- Eliminations: Sunday, May 18
Fans are invited to cheer on Alexis DeJoria and the Bandero Café Funny Car team as they aim for victory at the highly anticipated Route 66 Nationals.
This story was originally published on May 14, 2025. 
