Photo – AlexisDejoria.com
Marla Weidenaar is a piston and rod specialist for Kalitta Motorsports driver Alexis Dejoria. Although she’s been with her current team for two years, she’s been working in NHRA‘s drag racing for the last four years. Her hometown is New Lenox, Illinois, so being at Chicagoland this past weekend was a bit of a homecoming for this interesting female crew member.
Learn more about Marla Weidenaar via the following questions and answers found on her profile at alexisdejoria.com
What is your favorite memory so far working with Alexis and the Patrón Team?
There are at least 3 . #1 being told that I will be working on the Patron car. #2 running 4.0’s for the first time in Englishtown in 2012. #3 making it to my first final round in Bristol and then the semi’s the next race in Chicago last season.
What is your favorite Patrón Drink?
Burdeos.
What do you do during the off-season?
During the off-season I work at the shop. I travel to Illinois as much as possible for holidays and to be with family. I attended my first pro football game last year so just try to do normal fun activities.
If you were not working for a drag-racing team, what would you be doing?
I would probably try marketing. I would also love to work with animals.
How did you get involved with Kalitta/or Drag Racing in general?
I got started working professionally in drag racing on Terry McMillen’s Top Fuel Dragster. That is where I got to know a lot of people in racing including Team Kalitta. The opportunity to be a part of Kalitta presented itself and I could not pass it up!
How did you learn to work on the car? Family, school, etc?
I learned to work on cars and engines in college where I studied High Performance Technology. I had no prior experience or knowledge before attending. Learning how to work on a drag car was a learning experience all on its own. Not much could prepare me for working on them.
What song will you be celebrating to when we win?
More than likely the song of myself balling my eyes out! I will be so happy. Ironically I Made It by Lil Wayne and Kevin Rudolph is playing right now and that would be pretty suiting!
Favorite Sports Team?
DA BEARS!!
Something fun and random about you…
I am a huge history nerd, I hate to shop, and I’m extremely picky about my hair color and cut.
Marla Weidenaar is our next guest on Fan4Racing Fan2Fan NHRA Talk, Monday, July 1st at 9:30pm ET. Fans can call 347-996-5176 to take part in the Q&A segment during our LIVE broadcast or listen to the podcast after the show.
