Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Bandero Café Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, heads into the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park with momentum and determination. DeJoria, a former event champion (2014) and last year’s runner-up, aims to secure another Wally trophy and build upon a strong season start.
DeJoria kicked off her 2025 campaign impressively at the season opener in Gainesville, qualifying seventh and advancing to the semifinal round. Her performance there earned her a coveted spot in the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge of 2025, an event where she previously made history by capturing the inaugural trophy in 2023.
“We exceeded our expectations tremendously at the first race of the season,” said DeJoria. “Confidence is one hell of a game changer. Our team returned to the shop after that blowup in Gainesville and had lots of work to do to prepare for the next race. They’re an incredible team that I’m very proud of and grateful for. We’ll be returning to the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge again at the same place where I won the inaugural shootout. That’s a testament to how hard these guys have worked to make such progress with little to no time to prepare.”
At the 2024 NHRA Arizona Nationals, DeJoria showcased her determination, racing from the 15th qualifying spot to reach the final round, defeating formidable opponents Bob Tasca, Bobby Bode, and Blake Alexander along the way before finishing runner-up to Austin Prock.
Fans attending the Arizona Nationals have the opportunity to meet DeJoria at the Mission #2Fast2Tasty driver autograph session on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the Mission Foods midway display.
DeJoria and the Bandero Café team look forward to making another strong statement and securing their second Arizona Nationals victory as they take to the track this weekend.
This story was originally published on March 20, 2025. 
