Take a look at this, Did Big Chief lose his edge against the new generation on Street Outlaws?
Justin “Big Chief” Shearer is one of the most iconic figures in Street Outlaws, known for leadership of the original 405 crew, his turbocharged Pontiac “The Crow,” and influence over street racing culture on television. But in recent years, many fans have questioned whether he still competes at the same level compared to the newer, younger racers who emerged on Street Outlaws, No Prep Kings, and related street racing series.
1. Big Chief’s Competition Has Changed Dramatically
When Street Outlaws debuted, the competitive landscape was relatively contained: a close-knit group of Oklahoma City racers battling for the Top 10 list. Over time, however, new talent with aggressive builds, modern tuning strategies, and significant resources entered the mix. Many of these drivers quickly rose toward the top of various leaderboards, racing in formats far different from the original street list battles.
2. His TV Presence Has Shifted
Big Chief’s role on TV hasn’t been as prominent in recent seasons compared to his early years as the face of the 405 crew. While there are new videos and episodes featuring him returning to the top five or challenging rivals, the show’s rotating cast and evolving formats mean he isn’t always center stage the way he used to be. Recent content, for example, highlights Chief moving back toward the top five but with mixed results against other seasoned competitors.
3. Big Chief Took Time Off the Show
Off-screen, the narrative around Big Chief changed: he stepped away from full-time involvement in Street Outlaws due to disagreements with the show’s direction and rules like the “race your way in” policy. His focus shifted toward personal racing projects and business efforts rather than TV list competition, a factor that affects how fans perceive his competitive standing.
4. Fan Discussions Reflect Mixed Perceptions
Online community conversations reveal divided opinions:
-
Some fans argue that Chief doesn’t compete as often in the events and classes now dominating the scene, which makes it look like his edge has diminished.
-
Others note that he still dominates when he does enter strategic races and that absence from certain events is more about choice and personal direction than lack of ability.
5. Evolving Racing Formats and New Skills
The newer generation of racers tends to specialize in diversified formats—NO PREP, pro-street builds, and drag events with faster cars and heavier investment. These formats reward different tuning strategies and race craft compared to Chief’s traditional strengths on street and list formats. As a result, while he may still be competitive in the right contexts, he does not always align with the formats where the newer drivers excel.
6. Legacy Still Matters
Despite those perceptions, Chief remains influential. His early contributions helped establish Street Outlaws as a cultural force that brought street racing to mainstream reality TV. Many of the new generation racers acknowledge this influence even as they stand on their own in today’s competitive environment.
Conclusion
It is not fully accurate to say Big Chief has completely lost his edge against the new generation. The landscape around him has evolved—different formats, more competitors, and shifting priorities off-screen—but he hasn’t been entirely outclassed when he chooses to race. What has changed is context: the new generation competes in ways, environments, and structures that differ from the era and formats where Chief built his reputation.
