Take a look at this, Shawn Murder Nova and Ryan Martin BUILD THEIR OWN EMPIRE: How Massive Is The Outlaw Syndicate Racing Series?
In the world of modern drag racing, few names carry as much weight as Ryan Martin and Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington. Both drivers became household names through the Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws franchise, dominating events and building massive fan followings. But in recent years, the two racers have taken a bold step beyond simply competing on the track. Instead of racing in someone else’s series, Martin and Ellington have begun building something entirely their own—a racing promotion called the Outlaw Syndicate. What started as a handful of grassroots races is quickly turning into one of the most talked-about movements in small-tire drag racing.
The Outlaw Syndicate Racing Series emerged during a time of transition for many Street Outlaws racers. As television schedules shifted and the structure of major events like No Prep Kings evolved, many drivers began exploring new opportunities. Ryan Martin, a multi-time No Prep Kings champion, and Shawn Ellington, famous for his Murder Nova Camaro, realized they had something incredibly valuable beyond just fast cars—the ability to attract fans and racers wherever they went. Instead of waiting for the next television contract or organized championship, they decided to become promoters themselves and launch their own racing platform. �
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The result was the Outlaw Syndicate Small Tire Series, a new racing championship built around the style of competition that made Street Outlaws famous in the first place. The concept is simple but powerful: heads-up racing on small tires, no gimmicks, and serious money on the line. Unlike some racing formats that rely on handicaps or bracket-style competition, the Outlaw Syndicate focuses on pure performance. Drivers line up side-by-side, and the fastest car wins. That straightforward formula has always been a major part of the appeal of small-tire racing, where tuning precision and driver skill often matter more than brute horsepower. �
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The scale of the project is already impressive. The inaugural season of the Outlaw Syndicate Small Tire Series features eight races across the United States, with each event paying up to $20,000 to win in the headline class. Multiple supporting categories—including Lil Gangstas, 6.50 Index, Daily Driver classes, and even Jr. Dragsters—are designed to bring racers of all levels into the same event environment. That structure creates something closer to a racing festival than a simple single-class competition. �
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But what truly makes the Outlaw Syndicate unique is the philosophy behind it. According to both Martin and Ellington, the idea grew out of their desire to keep racing fun while also creating a sustainable business model for themselves and the racers around them. After years of competing in televised events, the pair realized they understood the racing world from both sides—the competition side and the entertainment side. They know what fans want to watch and what racers want to compete in. By organizing their own events, they can shape the experience directly, focusing on authenticity, accessibility, and community rather than rigid corporate structures.
That approach is already resonating with racers. Small-tire racing has long been considered one of the purest forms of drag racing because the limited tire size forces drivers to balance power, traction, and chassis setup carefully. Too much horsepower will instantly overpower the tire and send the car spinning. Too little power means losing the race before the eighth mile. In this environment, driver skill and tuning expertise become the deciding factors. The Outlaw Syndicate series embraces that philosophy and positions itself as a stage where the best small-tire racers in the country can prove themselves.
Another key part of the Outlaw Syndicate strategy is bringing racing back to smaller tracks across the country. While major drag racing organizations often focus on large national venues, Martin and Ellington aim to bring high-level competition to tracks that rarely host major events. This helps build a grassroots atmosphere where fans can interact directly with racers, watch intense matchups, and experience the same kind of excitement that originally made street racing culture explode in popularity.
For fans of Street Outlaws, the Outlaw Syndicate represents a natural evolution of the community that the show created. For more than a decade, the television series introduced millions of viewers to underground street racing and its larger-than-life personalities. Drivers like Ryan Martin and Murder Nova became icons not just because they won races, but because they represented the raw passion and competitiveness that defines grassroots racing culture. Now, by creating their own racing promotion, they are effectively taking control of the next chapter of that culture.
In many ways, the Outlaw Syndicate is more than just a racing series. It’s a statement about the future of independent motorsports. Instead of relying on television networks or established sanctioning bodies, racers themselves are beginning to build platforms that connect directly with fans. Social media, live streaming, and grassroots event promotion have made it possible for drivers to control their own brand and their own events. Ryan Martin and Shawn Ellington are among the first major Street Outlaws stars to fully embrace that model.
Whether the Outlaw Syndicate ultimately becomes one of the largest racing promotions in the country remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear: Martin and Ellington aren’t just racers anymore. They’re building an empire that blends competition, entertainment, and business in a way that could redefine how grassroots drag racing works in the modern era.
And if their track record behind the wheel is any indication, the rest of the racing world should probably take them very seriously.
