TOYOTA NHRA: Sonoma Nationals Preview

Sonoma, CA – DeJoria Looks To Take Next Step In Sonoma…After advancing to the semifinals in Norwalk, followed by a runner-up finish in Denver, Alexis DeJoria is looking to take the next step into Winner’s Circle this weekend in Sonoma. After some early season struggles, the Bandero Toyota driver has earned the third-highest point total in the Funny Car ranks over the last five races – trailing only John Force and Matt Hagan (by one point). If she can claim the Wally this weekend, it would be her first victory since coming out of retirement in last year’s shortened season. In addition to advancing to the semis or beyond in three of the last five races, DeJoria has qualified in the top two in four of the season’s first eight races.

Brown Hoping To Get Back On Track…After a first-round exit in Denver, Antron Brown is hoping to get back on track in northern California this weekend. The long-time Toyota driver has notched four previous Sonoma wins and should he win this weekend, he would tie Doug Kalitta’s track record at five. Brown’s enjoyed immense success on the Western Swing during his career, earning 11 Top Fuel wins.  He enters this weekend’s action second in the points and has advanced to the semifinals or beyond in six of the last nine races. A victory at Sonoma would put him in position to clinch his berth in the Countdown at Pomona next week.

Todd Holds Special Distinction At Sonoma… J.R. Todd is one of just two drivers in history to win at Sonoma Raceway in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, along with racing legend Don Prudhomme. Making Todd’s accomplishment even more unique is that he won in both classes in back-to-back years, taking home the Wally in Top Fuel in 2016 and then earning his first-ever Funny Car win in 2017. He also won at the track in Top Fuel in 2006. The DHL Camry driver won earlier this season in Gainesville.

Kalitta Eyes Record Sixth Sonoma Win, Milestone 50th… Doug Kalitta will be looking to earn his record sixth Top Fuel victory at Sonoma Raceway this weekend and in the process become just the fifth driver in history to register 50 career Top Fuel wins. Kalitta earned his first Sonoma triumph in 1998, then followed up with wins in 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2005. In addition to the 50-win milestone, Kalitta is just three victories away from tying Antron Brown and Joe Amato for third all-time.Quotes:

J.R. Todd, DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car: “I am excited about the track being at 100% capacity. I saw the news and that is what we need. A lot of the races we have been to so far this year seem to be close to full capacity. I guarantee it will be close to if not a sold-out crowd. Sonoma is one of my favorite tracks on tour for numerous reasons. I have had a lot of success there. The staff does an amazing job. It is my friend Eric Medlen’s home race. I have lots of good memories there and any time I do well there that is who I think about.”