Big news in the No Prep Kings world—Bobby Ducote has officially announced that he will be stepping down from full-time NPK competition. This revelation, shared via his Facebook page, has stirred up plenty of conversation among fans and fellow racers alike. While Bobby isn’t completely walking away from the series, he made it clear that he won’t be attending every event on the 2024 schedule.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
The Changing Landscape of No Prep Kings
With Speed Promotions taking over the No Prep Kings series, the 2024 season is set to feature at least 12 races, with the possibility of more being added. However, the ongoing drama surrounding contracts, appearance fees, and race participation has had a noticeable impact. More and more longtime NPK competitors are scaling back their involvement or stepping away entirely. Bobby Ducote is the latest name to join that list.
According to his statement, Bobby still plans to attend select races to support fans, sponsors, and compete when possible. However, the days of him chasing the full NPK championship appear to be over—at least for now.
Photo by Lil Legend "Bobby Ducote"
Rising Costs and Shrinking Fields
One of the biggest factors influencing Bobby’s decision, as well as that of other racers, is the cost of competing in NPK. Racing at this level requires a significant financial commitment. Between travel expenses, entry fees, maintenance, and unforeseen repairs, it’s estimated that teams spend anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per event—sometimes even more. That kind of investment is tough to sustain, especially when sponsorship deals aren’t always guaranteed.
Last year, the NPK series saw a decline in car counts compared to previous seasons. While earlier years regularly saw 32 or more racers in competition, some 2023 events had as few as 17 cars. That drop-off reflects just how challenging it has become for many racers to commit to the full schedule.
What’s Next for No Prep Racers?
While Speed Promotions is pushing forward with its 2024 plans, alternative opportunities are emerging for racers who aren’t fully committed to NPK. One of the most interesting developments is Jim Howe’s newly announced No Time Kings series. This series features a shorter, six-race schedule and promises substantial payouts, making it an appealing option for competitors looking for high-stakes racing without the financial strain of chasing a full NPK season.
Photo by Lil Legend "Bobby Ducote"
Could we see more NPK veterans shifting their focus to events like No Time Kings? It’s definitely a possibility. As the landscape of No Prep racing continues to evolve, racers will have to make decisions based on finances, time commitment, and overall opportunities to compete.
Looking Ahead
For Bobby Ducote, this change doesn’t mean he’s done racing altogether—it just means we’ll see him in a different capacity this season. Hopefully, with additional sponsor support and the right opportunities, he’ll be able to hit more events than currently planned. One thing is for sure: Bobby is a talented driver with a seriously fast car, and wherever he races, fans will be eager to watch him compete.
As the 2024 No Prep Kings season unfolds, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how things play out. Will more racers follow Bobby’s lead and step away from full-time NPK competition? Will Speed Promotions make adjustments to keep car counts strong? Stay tuned to StreetOutlawsTalks.com for all the latest updates and insights from the world of Street Outlaws and No Prep Kings!