Check this, Murder Nova vs Steve Jackson in Round One at the US Street Nationals!
In a high-stakes clash at the 2026 US Street Nationals, two of drag racing’s most respected drivers — Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington and veteran Pro Mod powerhouse Steve “Fast” Jackson — squared off in Round One eliminations of the Pro Mod class in front of an electrified crowd at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
The matchup was one of the most anticipated pairings of the opening eliminations, pitting a rising Street Outlaws star against an established Pro Mod legend in one of the premier drag racing events of the winter season.
A Clash of Titans in Round One
From the moment the cars staged, fans knew this wasn’t just another Round One outing — it was a defining moment. Both drivers brought elite equipment and championship pedigrees to the start line:
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Murder Nova, famed for his aggressive driving style and storied Street Outlaws legacy
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Steve Jackson, a multi-time Pro Mod championship contender known for consistency and racecraft
Reaction times told the story of how evenly matched these two were. Both left virtually simultaneously, with nearly identical light times that kept fans on edge before the race even began.
Race Breakdown – Jackson Pulls the Win Light
Despite the close reaction times — .011 for Jackson and .012 for Ellington — Jackson was able to carry more momentum down track, ultimately advancing with a run of 3.562 seconds at 211.69 mph in his Motion Raceworks-powered screw-blown ’68 Camaro. Meanwhile, Murder Nova encountered issues and slowed to a 4.553 at 113.28 mph, ending his weekend in Round One.
As Jackson explained after the pass, he knew Ellington was capable of a strong run, saying the matchup was one “where if you win, it’s good; if you lose, it’s worse.”
What This Means for Both Drivers
Steve Jackson
For Jackson, the Round One victory reinforced his status as one of drag racing’s elite. Competing deep into eliminations at a marquee event like the US Street Nationals boosts momentum and sets him up for heavier competition later in the weekend.
Murder Nova
Though Ellington’s outing ended earlier than hoped, just qualifying and racing in this nationally recognized eliminations field — against Pro Mod regulars and champions — highlights how drivers from Street Outlaws are increasingly competing toe-to-toe with premier national drag racers.
The 2026 US Street Nationals Context
The US Street Nationals is one of the most competitive winter drag racing events, showcasing a stacked Pro Mod field and contributing to the pivot of Street Outlaws leaders expanding into professional drag racing competition. In qualifying leading up to eliminations, the competition was deep and times were historically quick, with qualifying passes for multiple drivers ticking inside the fast mid-3.50s zone — evidence of how advanced the platforms have become.
This show of speed and depth not only underscores the growing performance gap between backyard builds and full-race setups but also underscores the rising reputation of top Street Outlaws drivers like Murder Nova as serious contenders on major stages.
Why This Matchup Resonated With Fans
There are a few reasons this particular Round One battle stood out:
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Cross-Series Star Power: Murder Nova represents the Street Outlaws legacy while Jackson represents long-standing Pro Mod excellence, making the battle feel like a collision of racing cultures.
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Near-Identical Reaction Times: The razor-thin difference at the start amplified suspense and made every incremental inch matter.
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Big Event Spotlight: Nothing builds buzz like early-round drama at a marquee race like the US Street Nationals, especially with bonus money and series implications on the line.
Looking Ahead at the Event
With Jackson advancing, attention quickly turned to Round Two and beyond, where competition only intensifies. Strong Round One performances can influence lane choice and psychological edges into later rounds — both critical in a deep eliminations field.
Meanwhile, Ellington and his team will no doubt analyze the race data to come back stronger at the next national event, demonstrating the resilience that has made Murder Nova a fan favorite.
Final Takeaway
The Round One showdown between Murder Nova and Steve Jackson at the 2026 US Street Nationals offered fans a perfect blend of high-stakes competition and elite performance. Jackson’s win showcased his championship mettle, while Ellington’s effort reminded fans why Street Outlaws stars are now serious contenders on the national Pro Mod stage.
