THE 2026 INTERVIEW ISSUE
THE 2026 INTERVIEW ISSUE
Outlaw Evolution
Ryan Martin and Shawn“ Murder Nova” Ellington discuss new Outlaw Syndicate Small Tire Series
By Craig Cook | Photographs by Luke Nieuwhof, Tom Macht, Nicolas Russo, Danny Stogner, and Mallory Elizabeth
When the hit television shows Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings stopped filming after 15 seasons, many fans wondered what would be next for their beloved drivers. Two of its most popular stars – Ryan Martin and Shawn“ Murder Nova” Ellington – didn’ t waste much time getting back to doing what they’ ve always done: Race.
Martin quickly jumped into the Small Tire ring, hosting his own events across the south last winter, competing at large no-prep events such as Outlaw Armageddon, and most recently ran in the True 10.5 class at the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J & A Service. While testing in Bradenton, he recently became the first driver to record a 3-second pass on 28x10.5 slicks, running a 3.949 at 198.73 mph.
Ellington, meanwhile, has jumped headfirst into the Pro Mod waters, competing in the Mid-West Drag Racing Series for most of 2025 in“ Blue,” the ProCharger-equipped‘ 69 Camaro owned by Keith Haney. He won in just his third career start in the class, and is now racing in his second Winter Series.
If all that wasn’ t enough, the two drivers announced the Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series present- ed by Quick Performance at PRI, which will take place at four NHRA national events this year – including the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U. S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Now they’ re stepping into what is their biggest project to date: the Outlaw Syndicate Small Tire Series, an eight-race series paying $ 20,000 to win at each event, with a points champion crowned at the end of the year. In addition to the headlining Outlaw Small Tire class, Outlaw Syndicate will feature Outlaw 5.30 Index, 6.50 Index, Daily Driver, and Jr. Dragster.
Prior to the season starting, both Martin and Ellington sat down with
Drag IllustrateD to share how the Outlaw Syndicate Series came about, and what fans can expect.
Since filming stopped for Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings, you guys have been venturing out and trying different things. What made you decide to start your own series?
Shawn Ellington: It all started when Ryan did his own thing last winter to try to stay busy. We’ d worked so much, embraced so much for so many years with the
March / April 2026 DragIllustrated. com | Drag Illustrated | 101