Take a look at this, Big Chief Breaks Silence: Inside Feuds, Rivalries & His Exit From Street Outlaws!
For nearly a decade, Street Outlaws captured the hearts of gearheads and adrenaline junkies alike with its raw, high-stakes portrayal of underground street racing. At the center of the action stood Big Chief—real name Justin Shearer—the undisputed face of the OKC crew and one of the show’s most iconic figures. But behind the tire smoke and camera lights, the real story was far more complicated. In a revealing YouTube video, Big Chief finally opens up about the bitter feuds, broken friendships, and production pressures that led to his departure from Street Outlaws.
The Rise of Big Chief: From Route 66 to OKC Royalty
Big Chief’s street racing journey began on Old Route 66 and quickly evolved into a dominant role as the Race Master of the OKC Top 10 list. His charisma, technical skills, and deep love for racing made him a fan favorite. But success came at a cost.
The Painful Fallout with Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington
Perhaps the most heartbreaking rift was between Big Chief and his longtime friend and partner, Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington. Together, they tuned cars, built businesses, and defined an era of Street Outlaws. But cracks formed as competitiveness turned into accusations.
Chief accused Murder Nova of cheating—using nitrous oxide in Season 3 and a “leave button” in Season 6. By 2021, their partnership was officially over, with Murder Nova replacing Big Chief on America’s List. Despite the tension, Chief later admitted Murder Nova’s leadership style was better suited for the evolving franchise.
Rivalries with Kai Kelly and James “Reaper” Go
Chief’s rivalry with Kai Kelly wasn’t personal—it was performance-driven. In 2015, Kelly shocked fans by defeating top 405 racers, including Big Chief himself, during a Cash Days race in Texas. His success forced a re-evaluation of racing strategies and highlighted regional divides within the crew.
On the other hand, the feud with James “Reaper” Go was explosive. Reaper accused Chief of manipulating show politics to favor his inner circle. While Reaper himself faced criticism for his rule-bending car design, his public shots added to the toxic atmosphere on set.
Precious Cooper and the America’s List Controversy
Precious Cooper, known as the “queen of the streets,” clashed with Big Chief during America’s List Season 2. The dispute centered on the race-your-way-in policy, which allowed unqualified racers (mostly from Memphis) to compete. Chief defended the rule as fair, but Precious saw favoritism. The feud escalated, culminating in Big Chief and his partner Jackie Brash walking off the show.
Production Politics and the Breakdown of the 405 Brotherhood
According to Big Chief, the 405 crew—a group once bound by mutual respect and love for racing—began to fracture under the weight of fame and production demands. Rule changes favoring Memphis drivers, producer manipulation, and a push for drama over authenticity turned Street Outlaws into something he could no longer support.
Chief emphasized that money wasn’t the reason for his departure—his estimated $2 million net worth proves he’s doing just fine. His exit was about principle and preserving the original spirit of street racing.
Life After Street Outlaws: Return to Grassroots Racing
Since leaving the franchise, Big Chief has embraced a more authentic and unscripted approach to racing. Through Midwest Street Cars and his YouTube channel, he shares real builds, shop life, and honest commentary—free from the manipulation of reality TV.
His partner Jackie Brash remains by his side, both on and off the track. Despite becoming a controversial figure in the show’s final seasons, she has proven to be one of Chief’s strongest supporters.
Big Chief’s Legacy: More Than Just a Street Racer
Big Chief’s story is not one of defeat, but of evolution. He left Street Outlaws to reclaim his love for racing and remind fans what it’s all about—passion, community, and integrity. While the show continues without him, many fans still associate the golden era of Street Outlaws with Chief at the helm.
Final Thoughts
Big Chief’s revelations have sparked a wider conversation about the costs of reality TV fame and the importance of staying true to your roots. Whether it was tensions with Murder Nova, public clashes with Reaper, or walking off the set with Jackie, Chief’s decisions have always centered on racing with heart—and heart can’t be scripted.
