Check this, Murder Nova and Ryan Martin Reveal Their NHRA Plans and Major Projects for 2026!
As the Street Outlaws era continues to evolve, two of the most respected names in modern no-prep racing—Murder Nova and Ryan Martin—are openly discussing what comes next. And for the first time in years, that future points directly toward NHRA competition and ambitious new builds aimed at the 2026 season.
What they revealed offers a rare look behind the curtain at how elite no-prep racers are preparing for a possible transition into traditional drag racing’s most demanding arenas.
A Shift Toward NHRA: Why 2026 Matters
Both racers made it clear that 2026 is not just another season—it represents a strategic reset. With Street Outlaws formats changing and No Prep Kings competition reaching extreme levels of parity, the appeal of NHRA racing has grown stronger.
NHRA offers:
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Stable rulesets
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Established national prestige
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Clear technical regulations
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Long-term career longevity
For drivers who have already proven themselves on small tires and marginal surfaces, the challenge of sanctioned racing is a natural next step.
Murder Nova: A Calculated, Technical Approach
Murder Nova’s plan is not a rushed jump but a methodical build-up. He emphasized that NHRA competition requires an entirely different mindset compared to no-prep racing.
Key points from his discussion include:
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Focus on consistency over spectacle
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Data-driven tuning rather than reaction-based decisions
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Chassis development built specifically for prepped surfaces
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Emphasis on repeatable runs, not just fast passes
Rather than adapting an existing Street Outlaws car, Murder Nova is leaning toward purpose-built NHRA equipment, acknowledging that the margin for error in NHRA racing is far smaller.
Ryan Martin: Championship Experience Meets NHRA Precision
Ryan Martin’s comments carried a different tone—one shaped by years of domination in No Prep Kings. For him, NHRA is less about learning racecraft and more about applying discipline at a higher technical level.
His 2026 outlook centers on:
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New car development aligned with NHRA class rules
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Engine programs focused on durability and efficiency
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Incremental testing rather than radical changes
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Long-term competitiveness instead of one-off success
Martin also acknowledged that NHRA racing punishes impatience. In contrast to no-prep formats where aggression can win races, NHRA success comes from execution, reliability, and patience.
Why NHRA Is Attracting Street Outlaws Talent
The interest shown by Murder Nova and Ryan Martin reflects a broader trend. As no-prep racing becomes increasingly expensive and competitive, NHRA’s structure offers something different:
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Clear technical boundaries
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Less political uncertainty
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National exposure beyond streaming platforms
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A legacy ladder from sportsman to professional ranks
For established names, NHRA is no longer seen as “starting over,” but rather as expanding their racing résumé.
Major Projects Already Underway for 2026
Both racers confirmed that work has already begun behind the scenes. While specific details remain confidential, several themes were consistent:
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New chassis concepts rather than modified no-prep cars
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Suspension setups designed exclusively for glue-prepped tracks
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Engine combinations optimized for longevity
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Extensive off-season testing schedules
These are not experimental side projects. They are serious investments aimed at long-term NHRA participation.
What This Means for Street Outlaws Fans
Importantly, neither racer suggested abandoning Street Outlaws entirely. Instead, 2026 may mark a dual-path era, where elite drivers balance no-prep competition with NHRA events.
For fans, that means:
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Potential NHRA debuts from familiar faces
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Cross-series credibility for Street Outlaws stars
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A new narrative beyond no-prep grudge racing
If successful, their moves could open the door for other Street Outlaws racers to follow.
A Defining Moment Ahead
Murder Nova and Ryan Martin are no longer just reacting to where the sport is going—they are positioning themselves ahead of it. Their NHRA ambitions signal a maturation of the Street Outlaws generation, proving that elite no-prep racers can evolve into sanctioned drag racing contenders.
Whether 2026 becomes a breakout NHRA season or a transitional year, one thing is certain:
the next chapter of Street Outlaws history is already being written—one pass at a time.
