Hello, Street Outlaws fans! It's that exciting time of the year when the US Street Nationals are just around the corner, and the buzz around the competitors is heating up. One name we can't ignore is Jim Howe. After a mixed performance at the Snowbird Nationals, he’s back with a vengeance, making some key changes to his ride in hopes of qualifying and possibly even taking the win in the upcoming race.
Let’s dive into what Jim Howe has been working on and why we think his revamped car might just be a contender.
Photo by Howe Motorsports
The Road to Recovery
For those who missed the Snowbird Nationals, Jim Howe faced some setbacks. Unfortunately, an engine issue in Q3 cut his weekend short. Despite this, Jim’s steel-bodied car showed plenty of potential in the NPK (No Prep Kings) series. His car was running strong in the 60s, but there’s always room for improvement, especially when it comes to weight.
At the Snowbird Nationals, his car tipped the scales at around 2780 lbs, which put him at a significant disadvantage. When you’re racing against other highly tuned machines like Kai Kelly’s car, which came in at a lean 2654 lbs, weight becomes a huge factor. It's no surprise that Jim struggled to qualify, especially with that extra weight holding him back.
Photo by Howe Motorsports
The Big Weight Loss
Here’s the good news: Jim’s car is getting a serious makeover. The goal? To shed as much weight as possible and get it down to 2650 lbs. The car is getting a brand-new front end, and Jim’s been hard at work trimming down wherever he can. With a 140-pound reduction, this car will be much more competitive when it comes to handling and acceleration.
But it’s not just about the weight. Jim is sticking with the same engine setup that he ran at the Snowbird Nationals—a custom Nan-headed motor that he designed himself. For anyone who knows cars, this is no small feat. The Nan-headed engine has been a solid performer for Jim, and the fact that he’s keeping it for the US Street Nationals shows he has a lot of faith in it.
Jim Howe’s Competitive Edge
If Jim’s car can reach that magic number of 2650 lbs, it could level the playing field. Of course, Kai Kelly’s car is already at that weight, and the Pro Mod cars are tough competitors with their horsepower advantages. But the beauty of the Street Outlaws world is that anything can happen. Just look at Kai Kelly’s performance last month at the Snowbird Nationals, where he shocked everyone with a 3.59-second pass, taking down all the Pro Mods. If history repeats itself, who knows? Jim could pull off an upset.
Photo by Howe Motorsports
What’s most exciting, though, is that this car has the potential to be really fast once it’s dialed in. In NPK trim, Jim’s car showed it could hang with the big dogs, but without the weight disadvantage, it could become a serious threat. A fast steel-bodied car in a sea of carbon fiber and Pro Mods would be a welcome sight for any fan of the Street Outlaws world.
What’s at Stake?
For Jim Howe, this is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to prove that even in a field dominated by high-dollar Pro Mods, a well-tuned, steel-bodied car can still hold its own. If Jim can qualify and show up with competitive numbers, it’ll be a huge testament to his skills and his car’s potential.
While many are betting on the Pro Mods to take the top spots, there’s a lot to be said about the underdogs. Jim Howe may not have the same weight advantage as others, but with his determination and his car’s potential, he’s certainly one to watch at the US Street Nationals.
The Takeaway
The US Street Nationals are shaping up to be one of the most exciting races of the year, and Jim Howe’s car is one to keep an eye on. With weight reduction and some new tweaks to his setup, this steel-bodied monster is ready to show what it can do. It’s going to be a tough battle, but Jim’s car could surprise a lot of people.
So, stay tuned and get ready for what promises to be an action-packed weekend. Who knows—Jim Howe might just be the next breakout star at the US Street Nationals.
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