ERICA ENDERS BECOMES FIRST WOMAN TO WIN NHRA PRO STOCK RACE!

JOLIET, Ill. (July 1) – FINALLY!!!!!

After 20 years of racing, eight years in the ultra-competitive Pro Stock class and six final-round appearances, KLR Group driver Erica Enders won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway on Sunday.

Enders beat nemesis Greg Anderson – who knocked off Enders in Chicago’s final one year ago – to become the first women to win a Pro Stock national event in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

“For pioneers like Shirley Muldowney and Shelly Anderson-Payne, they were my heroes growing up, and all the women who paved the way,” Enders said. “There are a lot of little kids who look up to me. I’m blessed enough to be in the position to be a role model for them through the Disney movie. I hope that they see me win and know that no matter what, anything is possible. You’ve just got to set your mind to it and follow your dreams. With hard work, anything’s possible.”

To top the historic win off, longtime boyfriend Richie Stevens proposed Sunday night, and Enders accepted. A December wedding is in the works.

Enders began racing at the age of 8, after convincing her father, Gregg Enders, to buy her a Jr. Dragster to able to compete in the new class NHRA created for younger drivers. Enders moved up the ranks into NHRA Sportsman classes, winning a Super Gas national event in 2004. The next year, she moved to Pro Stock with Cagnazzi Racing, becoming the first woman to reach the final round in Chicago in 2005.


In 2011, after being reunited with the Victor Cagnazzi-owned team, Enders raced Anderson in the final round at Chicago in one of her three finals in 2011. But Anderson won that day, saying after the race that he didn’t want to be the first driver to lose to Enders in a Pro Stock final.

Sunday, though, the tables were turned, as Enders left first and outran the four-time champion with a run of 6.627 seconds at 207.40 mph. Anderson came up short after a pass of 6.641 at 208.36 mph.
“It’s awesome. I think if I could’ve planned it, I would’ve asked to run Greg in the finals,” Enders said. “He made it clear that he didn’t want to lose to me. He’s a very competitive guy, and I love him, but I couldn’t wait to beat him.

“I’m really glad it was here in Chicago. This is actually the place of my first final in Pro Stock in 2005, so it’s nice to circle back around and get it done here.”

Anderson was gracious in defeat.“He grabbed my shoulder and said, ‘Well deserved,’” Enders said. “That means a lot coming from an eight-hundred-billion-time champion and somebody I’ve been trying to beat for eight years since I first let the clutch out in one of these cars.

“To have him in the other lane when I got my first win is awesome. Steve Torrence had Tony Schumacher in the other lane when he got his first (Top Fuel) win. Two Texas kids who dreamed of doing this our entire lives, to be able to beat the best in the finals like that, I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”

Like every successful athlete, Enders’ career has had difficult moments. She raced part-time in 2007-2010 as she looked for sponsorship and the right situation. Finally, sponsor Gaston Kearby helped back an effort with Cagnazzi for the 2011 season, and Enders has emerged as one of the top talents in the sport.

“I’m a Christian, and I’m not shy to admit,” Enders said. “I believe there’s a plan bigger than mine. I always have faith that there’s a reason that things happen. Am I disappointed when we lose six times in a row? Absolutely. But I thank God for the blessings and the safety and focus on the things He puts on front of me. I’m a firm believer that he doesn’t give you what you can’t handle. This is 20 years of racing and eight years in Pro Stock, and it finally came together. I said my prayer before the final round: ‘If it’s your will, Lord, it’s my way. I can’t wait.’”

Enders, who moved up to fifth in the Pro Stock points standings, now has one win, two final-round and four semifinal appearances this season. She’s won at least one round in each of the last five races and has reached the semis in the last three.

“My guys back at the shop have been really working their butts off to get us power, and we’ve been trying some new R&D stuff that we’ve been trying to figure out for forever,” Enders said. “We did a last-minute test at Rockingham last week with over 100-degree weather. I guess it was good that we went there and prepared for this hot mess.

“I’m so excited. The testing is really paying off. Pro Stock’s tough. It’ll humble you in an instant. You think you’ve got it figured out, and you go to Bristol and blow all your things up. I can’t say enough for my guys. They’re amazing, and I love them. I couldn’t be more proud for them.”

The victory was a popular one for the 28-year-old from Houston who now lives in New Orleans. Enders is one of the most liked figures in the sport, among fans and competitors alike.

“When I hit my chutes – I hit them before we crossed the finish line – I went straight from focusing on the end of the track to the wall where the win light is,” Enders said. “When I saw that thing come on, I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ My guys are screaming in my helmet. I’m like, ‘Thank you guys so much.’ They’re the reason why I’m able to do what I do.

“When I came around the track, the guys who are turning us off are all pumping their fists – all the Safety Safari guys were lined up around the corner, and the NHRA employees.

“It was just like everything came together. I dreamed of this day my entire life. When I can’t sleep at night, I think about winning and planning my speeches. It’s so awesome that it finally came true.”
Asked where the Wally trophy will go, Enders said she’ll give it to Gregg Enders.

“That one goes to my dad, who’s been my rock and my best friend,” Enders said. “He’s the reason I am who I am and why I’m in this position.”

WELL DONE, ERICA!  CONGRATULATIONS!


More info:  http://www.cagnazziracing.com/

Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria - NHRA NITRO Generation 2012!

CONCORD, N.C. – NHRA introduced two of the most intriguing rookie drivers in the history of the sport to the national motorsports media today during a press conference conducted as part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. The legendary multi-purpose motorsports facility annually hosts two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events  at its spectacular zMAX Dragway.

Rookie Funny Car drivers Alexis DeJoria and Courtney Force, both an important part of NHRA’s Nitro Generation theme for 2012, joined NHRA President Tom Compton during the season-preview press event, which was held in front of more than 100 of the nation’s top motorsports journalists.

DeJoria, daughter of famed entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria, will drive the Tequila Patron Toyota Camry and Force, youngest daughter of 15-time NHRA world champ John Force, will pilot the Traxxas Ford Mustang. The two drivers will be among the top contenders for the prestigious Auto Club Road to the Future Award, which annually recognizes NHRA’s top performing rookie driver.


“It was a little overwhelming to meet with all the media. I was glad I was with Alexis. We were able to talk about our dreams and how we came up through the ranks as well as what it is like to be a female racing at over 300 mph. I am looking forward to getting on the track at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in a couple of weeks.,” said Courtney Force. “We just wrapped up testing yesterday in West Palm Beach. I am learning a lot about driving Funny Cars from my dad and I have also learned a lot about the media from watching all his interviews. I don’t think I can be as entertaining but I do enjoy talking about NHRA and getting behind the wheel of my Traxxas Ford Mustang Funny Car.”

The two drivers fielded questions from reporters about the challenges and expectations for their upcoming seasons and posed for photographs alongside a specially-wrapped Funny Car that featured the NHRA Nitro Generation design. NHRA also showed a high-energy video to the media that focused on the thrilling 300-mph performances, powerful side-by-side racing and close finishes that make NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing one of the most intense motorsports attractions on the planet.

Later in the afternoon many of the journalists attending the week-long media tour will participate in an NHRA Full Throttle Media Challenge Drag Race at zMAX Dragway. Media members will race in identically-prepared street-ready Ford Mustangs and DeJoria and Force will serve as driving coaches. DeJoria and Force also will race in the stock Mustangs in an exhibition prior to the media challenge race.

The highly-anticipated rookie battle begins Feb. 9-12 at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California. The tradition-rich race is the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series for 2012. Tickets are available at www.NHRATIX.com or by calling (800) 884-NHRA (6472).

Alexis DeJoria and the Tequila Patrόn team Wins Seattle National Championship

Alexis DeJoria Racing > 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series 24th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals August 5th-7th, 2011

Venice, CA (August 8, 2011) - As her Top Alcohol Funny Car career winds down and her transition into the Fuel Funny Car category continues, driver Alexis DeJoria and the Tequila Patrόn team have worked countless hours to achieve their goal of visiting the winner's circle at least once this season.  Sunday afternoon in Seattle they did it.  In a history-making moment, Alexis, who is only the second woman to ever win a Top Alcohol Funny Car National event, and the Patrόn team achieved their goal at the NHRA Northwest Nationals

            "It's been five years in the making!" says Alexis. " Everything just came together for us this weekend! Every round was so crucial, and we were running so consistently. To go from not qualifying at our last race, to qualifying in the 3rd spot, and to have a consistent car in every round is just unheard of. And to do it in the second to last race [as a TAFC driver] was huge! Even though I felt confident about my car, you just never know; it's a 50/50 chance. It's so sentimental to me to have this win, especially as I'm wrapping up my Alcohol career. It feels so great to wind things down on such a positive note!"

Having almost a month off from their last race, the Patrόn crew had a chance to make some adjustments to the car, which proved to be extremely valuable. The team ran consistently quick and fast throughout qualifying, ending up number three with an elapsed time of 5.63 at 256.89 mph respectively.

 

During the first round of eliminations, Alexis made a clean, straight 5.65 at 260.11 mph pass and swept the win, advancing her to Sunday's eliminations. On Sunday morning, Alexis was up against driver and long-time friend Sean Bellemeur. "I have a ton of respect for Sean and was nervous about going up against him. It's always tough to go up against your friends" says Alexis. Although it was his best run of the weekend, he was no match for Alexis and her award-winning Tequila Patrόn car. Alexis not only won the round, but had the fastest speed of the event at 261.02 mph.

With only one other woman (Bunny Burkett) ever to have won a TAFC final round, and the fact that this was her second to last chance to ever win a National event before she moves to the Nitro Funny Car class, the pressure was on for Alexis as she made her way to the starting line. Alexis had lane choice against opponent and previous Seattle National winner, Brian Hough. With an elapsed time of 5.611 and with a speed of 260.26, Alexis was able to take the win!

 

"The feeling of winning is unreal! I was so calm going to the starting line but at the end of the race, when I realized I had won, I was overcome with emotion. I couldn't even get out of the car! I had to sit there for a second and just collect myself. Our Tequila Patrόn team has had many ups and downs throughout our three years of competing together in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class and to have an opportunity for the team to visit the winner's circle in Seattle is very gratifying for everyone who has worked so hard to achieve this NHRA Lucas Oil championship trophy" said Alexis. "To work this hard, and get through these rounds and beat these other teams that are so good and that we have so much respect for is just so humbling. It took my breath away."

About Alexis DeJoria

Alexis DeJoria, daughter of the famed John Paul DeJoria, of Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrόn Spirits is currently the Top Female Top Alcohol Funny Car Racer. Her team, Stealth Motorsports, co-operated by Alexis, is one of the few female-owned and operated teams in the industry. Alexis made racing history when she competed in the first ever 'woman vs. woman' race in her class in 2010, and she is the 2nd woman ever to win a Top Alcohol Funny Car race. Alexis is the female world record holder for the fastest and quickest speeds, and her car is currently the second fastest car in the world in the TAFC category. Alexis is also well-known for her infamous 2009 Englishtown, NJ crash.

Alexis, who had all the opportunity in the world to pursue any type of career, felt strongly about doing something she is passionate about, and she is proud to encourage and inspire young women to go after their dreams. Alexis' need for adrenaline drove her to pursue the unlikely profession of auto-racing. The determination to 'blaze her own trail' continues to drive her and push her to higher levels in the dangerous, male dominated sport of drag racing. Alexis will transition into the Nitro Funny Car category in the Fall of 2011. She will be the fourth member, and second Funny Car driver for the infamous Kalitta Motorsports team.

Alexis is originally from Los Angeles, CA and currently resides in Venice, CA.  Read Alexis' Woman Behind the Wheels feature interview on Track Chic.

Media Contact info:

Alexis DeJoria and members of Alexis DeJoria Racing are available for interview. Hi-res images available upon request. Please contact Allison McCormick at (561) 279-7827 x306 or allison@alexisdejoria.com>

For Enders, a great drag race always begins with a perfect start

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 15) — When Erica Enders starts her ZaZa Energy Pro Stock Chevrolet at this weekend’s Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, she’ll begin a long procedure that has made her one of the best drivers off the starting line in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

It’s the same procedure she’s used for years, and she repeats it every time she makes a pass down the drag strip.

The procedure actually starts long before she crawls in the ZaZa Energy Chevy Cobalt, when Enders takes 10 minutes of quiet time to begin focusing on the task at hand. Soon, she’ll begin to clear her mind of outside thoughts and think only on cutting the best light.

“Once I buckle in, all the outside thoughts go away,” Enders said. “I’m able to get all the distractions out of my head, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I do a good job.”

Easier said than done, of course, so Enders first asks for a little help from above.

“I pray for a clear head,” Enders said. “Something my dad told me a long time ago was, ‘Once you get in the racecar, you can’t change anything on the outside.’ There are times when it’s challenging to be able to do it but most of the time I’m able to forget everything else.”

Before she actually fires the powerful Cagnazzi engine on her car, the actual starting-line procedure begins. And though the entire process only takes a few moments, Enders needs several minutes to verbally explain it.

First, she goes through a 12- to 15-step mental checklist before starting the 2,400-horsepower engine.

“That helps me to never forget anything,” Enders said.

Then comes an array of moves, settings, and adjustments that boggle the mind: Enders fires the car, puts the transmission in first gear and rolls through the water box. She puts it in second gear and then stops to make sure it’s in gear. Next, she sets the brake pressure and revs the engine twice.

On the second rev, she drops the clutch and goes through the gears – third, fourth, and fifth – as she drives across the starting line for the burnout.

When she stops after smoking the tires, she pushes in the clutch and begins to back up, listening to crew chief Dave Connolly on her radio as he position her on the track and tells her where to stop.

Enders then goes through another mental checklist, this one more extensive than the first. Switches are toggled, and then Connolly directs her forward to the correct spot.

Crew member Rich Saulino then takes over at the side of the car and guides Enders to a spot just short of the start line, inches from the pre-stage light.

And the checklist continues.

“I re-check everything,” Enders said. “I’m one of the few drivers who hasn’t ever forgot to turn my fuel pumps on or forgot to do this or that. I double-, triple-, quadruple-check everything.”

She’s communicating with her crew, too, confirming switches or changes, so she can check it off in her head and eliminate more things from her mind.

Before staging, Enders then puts the car in neutral to set the brake and clutch as the crew makes its last-second adjustments.

“Dave says, ‘It’s all yours,’” Enders said. “I take a deep breath, put my visor down and make sure all my switches are in the right spot.”

Enders pushes in the clutch and puts the transmission in first gear, rolling forward to turn on the pre-stage bulb. She sets the brake pressure and gets her left arm – her steering-wheel arm – in the correct position.

She revs the motor, gently lets the clutch out a little and stages shallow in the second beam. The Christmas Tree will then begin, and Enders jams the throttle to launch, hopefully cutting a good light somewhere in the .020-second or quicker range.

Enders will then repeat the procedure – exactly – for the next session. And the next, and the next…

“There’s always going to be something different every time you get in the car,” Enders said, “but for the most part, I do my procedure the exact same way every time.”

And that’s with an incredibly long list of things to do, though Enders insists on repeating it every time – and with good reason.

“That’s one of the things that is important to me,” Enders said, “and I think it helps me drive better.”

Qualifying for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals gets under way at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday. Qualifying continues at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Fan Fest in the pits immediately following the final round of qualifying.

Eliminations get under way at noon. ESPN2 will air the qualifying show at 7 p.m. EDT on Saturday and the elimination show at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Enders has several media and fan opportunities scheduled for Thunder Valley, from an appearance in the Bruton Smith Suite on Friday at 2:15 to the Fan Fest to the Track Walk before eliminations Sunday.

–30–

Contact: Lee Montgomery at 704-258-0903 or lee.montgomery@zazaenergy.com.

Please visit www.ZaZaEnergy.com for more information.