Alexis Dejoria: Biography and Achievements
Alexis Dejoria is an American drag racer who made a name for herself in the male-dominated world of motorsports. Born in Venice Beach, California in 1977, Dejoria grew up in a family of drag racers and was introduced to the sport at an early age. She started racing competitively in 2005 and quickly made a name for herself on the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) circuit.
Dejoria's achievements in drag racing are impressive. She was the first woman to break the four-second barrier in a Funny Car, and she has won multiple NHRA national events. In 2014, she won the NHRA's prestigious US Nationals, becoming just the fourth woman to do so. She also has a career-best top speed of 332.75 mph.
Off the track, Dejoria is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for women in motorsports. She is a supporter of organizations like the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and Feed the Children, and she has spoken out about the challenges that women face in the male-dominated world of racing.
Dejoria's success on and off the track has made her a role model for young women who aspire to careers in motorsports. Her dedication, talent, and passion for the sport have earned her a well-deserved place in the history of drag racing.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Alexis Dejoria was born on September 24, 1977 in Venice Beach, California. Her father, John Paul DeJoria, is a multi-millionaire entrepreneur and the co-founder of the hair care company John Paul Mitchell Systems and the alcohol company Patron Spirits. Alexis grew up surrounded by luxury and wealth, but she was determined to make a name for herself in the world of drag racing.
At the age of 16, Alexis began racing on the NHRA circuit. She started out with a Super Gas roadster and eventually moved up to Top Alcohol Funny Car. Despite the disapproval of her father, who was worried about the safety of his daughter, Alexis was committed to pursuing her dream of becoming a professional drag racer.
In 2005, Alexis made her professional debut in the Pro Stock division and quickly became known for her aggressive driving style and fearlessness on the track. She earned her first top-10 finish in 2011 and her first win in 2014 at the NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown, New Jersey.
The Road to Becoming a Successful Pro Racer
Alexis Dejoria's passion for racing started at a young age, and it followed her into adulthood. She began her racing career in 2005, competing in the Super Gas category of NHRA's Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. In 2007, she moved up to Top Alcohol Funny Car category and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional driving skills.
In 2011, Alexis made her debut in the national circuit, competing in the Top Fuel Funny Car category. She quickly proved herself as a serious contender, clinching her first national event win in 2014 at the Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. That same year, she also reached the semifinals at the prestigious US Nationals.
Despite some setbacks and injuries, Alexis maintained her focus and determination, which allowed her to continue improving and racking up impressive achievements. In 2017, she won the NHRA SpringNationals in Houston, becoming the first female driver to win in both Funny Car and Top Fuel categories. She continued to break barriers, becoming the first female driver to record a sub-4-second pass in a nitro Funny Car in 2018.
Alexis Dejoria's rise to fame as a pro racer is a testament to her unwavering passion, hard work, and perseverance. Her impressive track record and accomplishments have cemented her status as one of the most successful and respected drivers in the industry.
Accomplishments and Awards
Alexis Dejoria is a highly-accomplished professional drag racer with numerous accolades to her name. She has won several NHRA national events in the Funny Car category, including back-to-back wins at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in 2014 and 2015.
Dejoria has also been recognized for her outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to her craft. In 2014, she received the prestigious President's Award from the Women's Sports Foundation, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to women's sports.
Additionally, Dejoria has been named the NHRA's Rookie of the Year (2011), been selected as one of ESPN's Top 10 Female Racecar Drivers (2016), and served as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Awareness Month through her partnership with the Bright Pink organization.
- NHRA national event wins:
- NHRA Northwest Nationals (2014, 2015)
- NHRA New England Nationals (2018)
- NHRA Four-Wide Nationals (2019)
- President's Award from the Women's Sports Foundation (2014)
- NHRA Rookie of the Year (2011)
Dejoria's impressive accomplishments and awards reflect her drive, skill, and commitment to excellence in her sport and beyond.
Net Worth and Personal Life
Alexis Dejoria has an estimated net worth of $100 million. She has earned her wealth through her successful career as a drag racer and her business ventures.
Dejoria is married to Jesse James, who is a custom motorcycle builder and television personality. The couple got married in 2013 and have been together since then. Jesse has also been instrumental in helping Alexis with her racing career.
Dejoria is a philanthropist who has contributed to several charitable organizations like the Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She is also a supporter of the American Heart Association.
When she is not racing, Dejoria enjoys spending time with her family and indulging in outdoor activities. She is an animal lover and has several pets including dogs and horses.
Final Thoughts on Alexis Dejoria’s Success Story
Alexis Dejoria is a true inspiration to anyone striving for success. She has shown that with hard work, determination, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible. From a young age, she had a love for racing and turned it into a career that has taken her to the top of her field.
Her success on the track is just part of what makes her story remarkable. She had to overcome personal obstacles, including a difficult childhood and a tumultuous first marriage. But she persevered, never giving up on her dreams.
Throughout her career, she has been a trailblazer for women in racing. She has proven that gender is not a barrier to success and has paved the way for future generations of female racers.
Finally, her success story should serve as a reminder that with great success comes great responsibility, and she has taken that responsibility seriously. She has used her platform to give back to her community, supporting a variety of charities and causes that are important to her.
Overall, Alexis Dejoria’s success story is one of perseverance, hard work, and making a positive impact on the world. She is a role model for anyone looking to make a difference, in and out of the racing world.
FAQ
Who is Alexis Dejoria?
Alexis Dejoria is an American professional drag racer. She currently drives the Toyota Camry Funny Car in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
What is Alexis Dejoria’s age?
Alexis Dejoria was born on September 24, 1977. As of 2021, she is 44 years old.
How tall is Alexis Dejoria?
Alexis Dejoria is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall.
What is Alexis Dejoria’s net worth?
As of 2021, Alexis Dejoria’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.
How did Alexis Dejoria get started in drag racing?
Alexis Dejoria’s father is billionaire businessman John Paul DeJoria, who is also a drag racing fan. He encouraged her to pursue her passion for the sport, and she began competing in 2005. She quickly rose through the ranks and eventually joined the NHRA Funny Car ranks in 2011.