This weekend Gateway Motorsport Park hosts its biggest race of the year: the National Hot Road Association's Midwest Nationals.
For fans of drag racing, this is a HUGE event. For those who couldn't care less, the event still offers some interesting asides. Take, for example, the story of atypical drag racer Alexis DeJoria, the daughter of John Paul DeJoria -- owner of the Paul Mitchell line of haircare products and Patrón tequila.
Yesterday, Daily RFT reached DeJoria at her home in Los Angeles to discuss what it's like to go from 0 to 100 mph and earn respect in a male-dominated sport.
Daily RFT: So how does the daughter of a shampoo and liquor magnate get interested in drag racing?
Alexis DeJoria: I've always enjoyed speed and fast sports. When I was sixteen a friend of mine took me to my first drag race, and I fell in love with the nitro cars. That's pretty much it. I was hooked after that.
Not only are you a female driver, but you're frequently tagged with the "heiress" title. What kind of biases have you had to overcome in drag racing?
I'd have to say not too much, actually. In NHRA we have more women competing than in any other auto sport. The other drivers and crews have been really accepting. I think the way I came up through the ranks dispelled any criticism about my commitment to the sport.
Seriously, though, what's the deal with women in motorsports? There's you, Danica Patrick in Indy Car, and your fellow NHRA drag racer, Courtney Force. Are all female race car drivers attractive?
Thank you. Yeah, there are some pretty good-looking women in racing. It certainly helps with press coverage. Personally, I would like to be known for my driving skills. But if it's something else that gets the attention, I'm okay with it so long as helps promote the sport.
How fast will you be going this weekend at Gateway?
I don't know what to expect in St. Louis, but we usually top 300 mph within four seconds and 100 mph inside one second.
What does that kind of thrust do to your internal organs? Do they fold inside each other, like an internal turducken?
