For years, Justin “Big Chief” Shearer was the face of Street Outlaws—a central figure who helped shape the street racing culture in Oklahoma City and beyond. Known for his unmatched racing skills and leadership as Race Master, his sudden departure from the franchise left fans shocked and confused.
Now, Big Chief has revealed the truth behind his exit. In a recent video, he opened up about deep-rooted conflicts with several cast members and confirmed long-rumored feuds. Here are the five Street Outlaws racers he admits to having major issues with—and the real reasons behind the drama.
1. Murder Nova (Shawn Ellington) – From Best Friend to Rival
One of the most shocking fallouts in Street Outlaws history was between Big Chief and Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington. Once business partners and co-stars at Midwest Street Cars, the two built some of the fastest cars on the street.
Big Chief later accused Shawn of cheating during the show—specifically, using nitrous oxide and a “leave button” in multiple seasons. Their friendship crumbled, and by 2021, the duo officially parted ways. Shawn went on to start 187 Customs, while Chief continued to focus on pure street racing.
2. Reaper (James Goad) – Accusations of Manipulation
James “Reaper” Goad had a loud personality and even louder opinions. He publicly criticized Big Chief, calling him manipulative and difficult to work with. Reaper claimed Chief used his influence to benefit himself and hold other racers back.
Though controversial himself, Reaper’s claims further damaged Big Chief’s reputation in the Street Outlaws universe. Their fallout highlighted growing tensions over the show’s integrity and direction.
3. Precious Cooper – Heated Feud on America’s List
Precious Cooper, known as the “Queen of the Streets,” quickly rose to fame for her fearless driving. But her clash with Big Chief on America’s List was anything but graceful.
The two reportedly argued over the “race-your-way-in” policy, which allowed some racers to bypass qualifying. The confrontation escalated, pulling in Chief’s girlfriend Jackie Brash. Soon after, Chief and Jackie walked off the show—another major turning point in his Street Outlaws journey.
4. Kai Kelley – The Rival Who Kept Winning
Kai Kelley, the fastest racer in New Orleans, quickly became one of Big Chief’s toughest opponents. Their rivalry began in 2014 and saw Kai repeatedly beat Chief in high-stakes races.
Chief later admitted that Kai “beat my ass every time,” sparking one of the show’s most intense rivalries. Although Chief finally beat him in 2021, many believe it was a strategic win with help from fellow racer Ryan Martin.
5. Richard Rawlings – Respect Lost During the Mega Race
Richard Rawlings, star of Fast N’ Loud and owner of Gas Monkey Garage, clashed with Big Chief during the 2017 Mega Race. Chief claimed Rawlings’ team broke agreed-upon rules by replacing their driver with NHRA pro Alex Laughlin.
Despite Chief winning the race, he later said he lost all respect for Rawlings and his team. The incident highlighted growing frustration with the producers and the show’s direction.
Why Big Chief Really Left Street Outlaws
While fans speculated about financial issues or losing streaks, Big Chief insists those weren’t the reasons he walked away. Instead, he cited disagreements with the show’s producers, a shift in values, and frustration over inconsistent rule enforcement.
He also revealed safety concerns, aligning with NHRA guidelines and investing over $40,000 in upgrades to meet professional standards. Ultimately, the show’s shift away from grassroots racing culture made Chief feel like it was no longer true to its roots.
