For veteran Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria, the 2025 season has ushered in a fresh chapter with JCM Racing, and it’s already been one filled with milestones. So far, DeJoria has celebrated her 250th career start, qualified consistently in the Top 10, advanced to five semifinal rounds, and made a final elimination quad appearance at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals. Despite the on-track results, DeJoria is quick to credit the team’s internal chemistry as the true difference-maker. That bond, she says, has given her the confidence she needs to focus and perform as driver of the Bandero Café Funny Car.
“It’s been a really nice transition. Everybody works really well together,” DeJoria said. “From the very start, we went to the semifinals in Gainesville and from there, it’s just been excellent. We’ve been moving progressing, learning, and building for the future.”
Now in her 12th season behind the wheel of an NHRA Funny Car, DeJoria points to her team’s ability to communicate and connect as the backbone of their success. The team’s approach helps build trust amongst the crew and gives everyone an opportunity to perform at their best on raceday. While the long months of travel can easily strain morale, DeJoria also appreciates JCM Racing’s commitment to team dinners and regular conversations to keep motivation high and relationships strong.
“We’re on the road so much and we’re with each other more than our own families at home. So, it’s really important to have those connections and friendships and those team bonding moments,” said DeJoria.
Another key element for DeJoria’s success has been having Top Fuel driver Ida Zetterström as a teammate. What started as a historic all-female debut for JCM Racing turned into a genuine friendship between the two. Both DeJoria and Zetterström bond over their shared love for motorcycles and lean on each other for support.
“It’s a little bit easier being a female knowing that there’s certain aspects that the guys don’t really go through or experience,” DeJoria said. “We’ll give each other pep talks and kind of hype each other up, so it’s been awesome.”
With championship-winning crew chiefs Mike Neff and Todd Smith calling the shots, DeJoria has been able to prioritize her role in the driver’s seat. The six-time Funny Car national event winner, including the prestigious U.S. Nationals, values the open line of communication with her crew chiefs to find, fix, and overcome any issues they encounter during a run.
“Our team is very solution-based. We’re focused on fixing things so they don’t happen again,” DeJoria said. “Listening to each other and being accountable really helps because that’s how things get done and how things get fixed. Otherwise, we’d just keep running around in circles.”
That structure extends through the entire JCM Racing operation, and DeJoria enjoys being part of a larger, multi-car team that “runs a tight ship.” With each crew member assigned a specific role and no one stretched by double duties, she says the structure brings her peace of mind when she’s about to stage her car.
As the only woman currently competing in the NHRA Funny Car category, DeJoria clinched her spot in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs with a semifinal finish at the Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. National in Indy. While she was proud to lock in her place, DeJoria emphasized that the team’s main priority is securing their first win of the year as they continue building information and momentum through the remainder of the season.
“Getting our first win of the season would be fantastic. Finishing in the top eight or top five in the standings would be incredible, too,” DeJoria said. “Just learning and progressing and getting those points would be excellent.”
As DeJoria continues to adjust to life with a new team, she stressed the importance of staying present and concentrating on each task at hand versus what lies ahead. She carries that mentality into her raceday routine, where she prepares for each run through consistency and her love of music.
“I’ve always got my headphones on listening to whatever kind of music suits me in that moment. I love all types of music, it just depends on what mood I’m in,” DeJoria shared. “I just kind of get in my zone and just get prepared mentally. I make sure that my heart rate is steady and that I’m not too excited or too relaxed.”
This season, DeJoria has found a new rhythm with JCM Racing, a team that focuses on clear communication and mutual trust, but also strengthened by solid equipment and leadership. With her confidence rising and the entire team working in unison, DeJoria and JCM Racing are proving they have what it takes to become a dangerously competitive force in NHRA Funny Car for the remainder of the season and into next.
This story was originally published on September 30, 2025. 
The post Renewed Confidence: Alexis DeJoria Finds Her Groove with JCM Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
