Do you know Where Is Monza in 2026? The Future of a Street Outlaws Icon!
In the history of Street Outlaws, speed alone has never been enough to define greatness. Some cars and drivers transcend wins and losses, becoming symbols of an era. One of those symbols is the sinister black 1972 Camaro split bumper driven by Jerry Monza Johnston.
For more than a decade, Monza represented the soul of the 405 — quiet, relentless, and brutally effective. But as the drag racing world barrels into 2026, fans are asking a serious question: where is Monza now, and what does the future hold for one of Street Outlaws’ most respected racers?
The Silent Killer of the 405
Monza was never the loudest voice in the pits. He didn’t rely on drama or controversy to build a following. Instead, he let his results speak for themselves. His steel-bodied Camaro, powered by massive nitrous-fed horsepower, earned him the reputation of being the “king of the top end.”
While other teams moved toward carbon fiber bodies and million-dollar programs, Monza stayed true to his roots — building, tuning, and racing his own car. That philosophy made him a fan favorite, but it also put him on a collision course with the modern reality of No Prep Kings.
Why No Prep Kings No Longer Makes Sense
By 2026, No Prep Kings has evolved into a high-budget arms race. Competitive teams now operate with:
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$150,000+ engines
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Multiple spare powerplants
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Full-time crew chiefs
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Titanium and carbon-fiber chassis optimized by data
For racers like Ryan Martin or Justin Swanstrom, the investment pays off. For Monza, a true privateer who earned his living in oil fields and construction, the math simply doesn’t work.
Monza famously said, “I can’t spend a dollar to win a dime.” In 2026, No Prep Kings often requires spending ten dollars just to stay relevant. Qualifying near the bottom and getting eliminated by cars worth four times as much no longer justifies the financial and physical toll.
The Steel-Bodied Problem — and Opportunity
The split bumper Camaro is a real car in every sense:
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Steel roof
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Steel quarters
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Factory glass
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Brick-like aerodynamics compared to modern Pro Mods
Against lightweight, wind-tunnel-tested bodies, Monza’s car was always fighting physics. But that same authenticity is now becoming his greatest advantage.
Enter the Outlaw Syndicate
The launch of the Outlaw Syndicate, founded by Ryan Martin and Shawn Ellington, may be the lifeline Monza has been waiting for.
This new eight-race series is built around grassroots racing principles:
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Lower costs
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Regional travel
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Big payouts
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Simplified rules
Most importantly, it includes an all-steel, all-glass class — a category that seems tailor-made for Monza’s Camaro.
Suddenly, the disadvantages he carried for years disappear. No fiberglass shells. No disguised Pro Mods. Just real street cars racing on equal footing.
Prep Tracks Favor the Split Bumper
Unlike the slippery surfaces common in No Prep Kings, the Outlaw Syndicate runs on fully prepped tracks using VP Racing Fuels traction compounds. This is crucial for Monza.
His heavier steel-bodied Camaro thrives when traction is available. Instead of dialing power back to avoid spinning, Monza can unleash the full fury of his Pat Musi nitrous engine — exactly how the car was meant to be run.
A Smarter Schedule, A Healthier Racer
NPK’s 15–20-week travel grind has burned out many racers. For Monza, who has dealt with serious health challenges in the past, the stress is simply too much.
The Outlaw Syndicate’s eight-race, regional format allows him to:
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Spend more time at home
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Reduce travel costs
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Enjoy racing instead of enduring it
For the first time in years, racing fits his lifestyle again.
The Rise of Brandon Johnston
No discussion of Monza’s future is complete without his son, Brandon Johnston.
Fans have watched Brandon grow from a quiet kid in the pits into a capable driver and mechanic. In 2026, Team Monza may evolve into a two-generation operation, with Jerry stepping back from full-time driving duties and focusing on tuning and strategy.
With decades of nitrous knowledge, Monza as a crew chief could be more dangerous than ever — while Brandon brings youthful reaction times and hunger behind the wheel.
The Small-Tire Wild Card
One of the most intriguing possibilities is Monza entering the 28-inch small-tire class, which pays $20,000 to win. Historically, Monza has been a big-tire racer, but money and competition have a way of forcing adaptation.
On a prep surface, a heavy car on small tires can actually work — the weight helps plant the tire. With Monza’s understanding of torque management and nitrous progression, the idea isn’t as crazy as it sounds.
A split bumper Camaro on small tires would also be a massive moment for drag racing fans — and YouTube.
Monza in 2026: Relevance Without Compromise
At this stage of his career, Monza doesn’t need to chase points to matter. He is the attraction.
By stepping away from No Prep Kings, he gains:
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Freedom from politics
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Control over appearances
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Direct merchandise sales
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The ability to pick his battles
When Monza shows up, ticket sales spike. Fans line the fence. The legend speaks for itself.
