Alexis DeJoria, the driver of the Bandero Café Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, is gearing up for one of the most prestigious events on the NHRA circuit—the 2024 Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. This weekend marks the 14th event of the NHRA season and the 70th running of the legendary U.S. Nationals, where DeJoria aims to make a strong statement.
As DeJoria enters this year’s U.S. Nationals, she celebrates the 10-year anniversary of her 2014 victory, where she triumphed at the 60th edition of this iconic race. That win remains a highlight in her illustrious career, which boasts 228 races, six wins, and six No. 1 qualifiers. DeJoria is keen to add another Wally trophy to her collection, particularly at this milestone event.
In the 2023 NHRA U.S. Nationals, DeJoria qualified third and made it to the quarterfinals before being edged out by Cruz Pedregon. Most recently, at the Brainerd event, she qualified fifth but experienced a first-round exit. Currently ranked 11th in the standings, DeJoria is focused on securing a Top 10 position as the NHRA Countdown to the Championship looms.
Adding to the excitement, DeJoria and the DC Motorsports team will debut a striking new paint scheme on her GR Supra this weekend, featuring Bandero Premium Tequila’s latest product—Bandero Café. This new liqueur, known for its smooth yet dry profile with notes of fresh roasted coffee, chocolate, and vanilla, will be showcased on DeJoria’s car through the remainder of the season.
“Looking forward to gaining some headway this weekend. We stayed behind in Brainerd to test, which went well. Indy is a special race in and of itself, especially with it now being a Toyota event,” said DeJoria. “It’s been tough going lately, there’s no doubt about that, and we would love nothing more than to snap this dry spell we’re in and park our GR Supra in the winner’s circle at such a high-profile race. It would be great to get a 70th anniversary Wally to go along with my 60th anniversary trophy.
“We’re debuting a new paint scheme this weekend to celebrate the release of Bandero’s new premium coffee tequila. It’s been an absolute winner, and I can’t wait for the fans to see our new car on the track.”
Fan Events DeJoria will also be participating in several fan events throughout the weekend:
- Thursday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.: Cruz Pedregon Open House driver autograph session, 462 South Point Circle, St. A, Brownsburg, IN
- Saturday, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Team Toyota driver autograph session, Toyota midway display
- Sunday, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.: Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout driver autograph session, Nitro Alley Stage
With her sights set on victory and a fresh new look on her GR Supra, Alexis DeJoria is ready to take on the competition at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.
This story was originally published on August 29, 2024. 
