Take a look at this, The Car That Cost Him Everything – Street Outlaws Kamikaze Chris!
In the world of Street Outlaws, few names hit as hard as Kamikaze Chris, the fearless racer known for his death-defying passes and unwavering loyalty. But behind the TV fame lies a story of heartache, passion, and a car that meant more than metal and horsepower. This is the emotional journey of Chris Day and his beloved El Camino—nicknamed Elco—a car that cost him everything, yet became the foundation of his comeback.
From Humble Beginnings to the 405
Chris Day, better known as Kamikaze Chris, grew up in Oklahoma City in a blue-collar family barely making ends meet. From an early age, he hustled—mowing lawns, pumping gas, and doing HVAC work—all to fund his dream of owning and racing fast cars. That dream eventually led him to Justin “Big Chief” Shearer and Tyler “Flip” Priddy, two iconic names from the 405 street racing scene.
Flip’s Legacy: The Birth of Elco
When Flip tragically passed away in 2013, his 1981 Chevy El Camino became a symbol of remembrance. Big Chief passed the car on to Chris, who poured everything he had—time, money, sweat—into rebuilding the Elco into a street monster. It wasn’t just a race car. It was a memorial, a tribute, and a lifeline.
Street Outlaws Fame and the Reality of Struggle
Chris joined the cast of Street Outlaws in 2014, quickly earning the nickname Kamikaze for his wild, no-fear racing style. Though the TV exposure was massive, Chris remained grounded. Despite reportedly making around $30,000 per episode, he described himself as “dirt broke poor”, still working HVAC jobs to keep his racing dreams alive. For him, it was all or nothing—no middle ground.
The Crash That Changed Everything
In July 2020, while filming for Street Outlaws, disaster struck. Despite having sensor issues, Chris took a dare and made a pass in the Elco. He lost control. The car was totaled. Only a few parts like the parachute lever and rear housing could be salvaged. The rest—years of effort and memories—was gone.
Chris told cameras, “That was everything I had in my whole life.” The crash wasn’t just mechanical failure—it was an emotional blow that cut deep. He didn’t just lose a car. He lost Flip’s memory all over again.
Turning Tragedy Into a New Beginning
But Kamikaze Chris wasn’t ready to quit. Instead, he came up with a powerful idea: auctioning off signed parts of the wrecked Elco to fans. Within a week, he raised over $20,000—enough to begin a new project.
With what remained of Elco’s engine and drivetrain, Chris built a black C5 Corvette. It echoed the Elco’s legacy with sinister black paint and brutal power. More importantly, it symbolized Chris’s resilience.
Still Racing, Still Fighting
Chris returned to local Oklahoma no prep races and traveled across the country chasing wins. Though Elco was gone, its spirit lived on. He remained true to his motto: “I’m either going to really make it in life, or I’m going to be nothing.”
Elco: More Than Just a Car
To Chris, Elco was grief turned into horsepower, loyalty shaped in steel, and a legacy on four wheels. It represented sacrifice, brotherhood, and the idea that when dreams crash—you rebuild, even stronger.
Conclusion: Kamikaze Chris’s Legacy of Grit
Kamikaze Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that racing is more than winning trophies—it’s about passion, pain, and perseverance. Whether you’re a Street Outlaws fan or a car enthusiast, his journey with Elco is one that resonates far beyond the track.
If you’ve ever poured your heart into something that fell apart, Chris’s comeback proves that resilience is the real fuel behind every victory.
