Kayla Morton: Life Beyond the Track of the Street Outlaws Queen

Kayla Morton has carved out a remarkable career in the high-octane world of drag racing. Best known for her appearances on Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws and its spin-off No Prep Kings, Kayla is far more than just a TV personality. She’s a seasoned racer, engine builder, and CrossFit coach—balancing speed, strength, and savvy in a male-dominated sport.

Photo by Kayla Morton Racing "Hot Mess Express"

Early Life and Racing Roots

Born on February 27, 1987, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kayla grew up immersed in motorsports. Her father, Stanley Morton, was a Pro Stock racer in the 1980s, and Kayla spent her childhood at the track and in the garage. By the time she turned 16, she was ready to take the wheel herself.

Her first car was a 10-second 1978 Mercury Zephyr, which she raced in local bracket competitions. With her father as her crew chief, Kayla quickly progressed to Pro Mod racing, piloting a 1995 Thunderbird equipped with a Procharged small-block Ford engine.

Making a Name on Street Outlaws

Kayla’s big break came when “Big Chief,” a central figure in Street Outlaws, invited her to join the show. She debuted with a nitrous-fed 1993 Ford Fox Body Mustang, powered by a 302 small-block Chevy engine . Her fearless driving style and technical knowledge quickly earned her respect among her peers.

Photo by Kayla Morton Racing "Hot Mess Express"

As one of the few women in the Street Outlaws lineup, Kayla has often been in the spotlight. She embraces the attention, especially from young girls who see her as a role model. “All the little girls always want to look up to me and have me sign stuff, which is kind of cool,” she shared.

Dominating the No-Prep Scene

In recent years, Kayla has become a formidable competitor in the no-prep racing circuit. Driving her ProCharged 2005 Ford Mustang, nicknamed “Hot Mess Express,” she clinched her first No Prep Kings win at Tucson Dragway in 2022. This victory made her only the second woman to win in the series, solidifying her status as a top-tier racer.

Her success is a testament to her skill and determination. “We work so hard, but it was at the point where it almost seemed impossible…and I realized, it is obtainable! It is possible!” Kayla exclaimed after her win.

Photo by Kayla Morton Racing "Hot Mess Express"

Beyond the Track

When she’s not racing, Kayla channels her energy into coaching CrossFit. This passion for fitness complements her racing career, keeping her physically and mentally sharp.

Additionally, Kayla co-owns STK Specialties, a Tulsa-based machine shop, with her father. The shop specializes in building high-performance engines, further showcasing her mechanical expertise.

Personal Life

Kayla shares her life with fellow Street Outlaws racer Chris “Boosted GT” Hamilton. The couple has two sons: Austin, from a previous relationship, and Cooper, born in 2017. Their shared passion for racing strengthens their bond, both on and off the track.

A Trailblazer in Motorsports

Kayla Morton’s journey from a teenager racing a Mercury Zephyr to a celebrated figure in drag racing is nothing short of inspiring. Her achievements in a predominantly male sport demonstrate her resilience, talent, and dedication. Whether she’s behind the wheel, in the gym, or building engines, Kayla continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of racers.