If there’s one thing we can count on from Kye Kelley, it’s that he knows how to turn heads on the drag strip. Recently, the Street Outlaws star brought his famous Shocker Camaro to the Snowbird Nationals, part of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series. This event, which also includes the U.S. Street Nationals and the World Series of Pro Mod, brings together some of the fastest door cars in the world. With big money and even bigger bragging rights on the line, Kye Kelley made sure to put on a show.
Photo by Kye Kelley Racing
From No Prep Kings to Prep Tracks
The Shocker Camaro has become synonymous with Kelley’s no-prep dominance. But this time, Kye had a unique goal in mind: to showcase just how fast a No Prep Kings (NPK) car can perform on a prepped track in optimal conditions. And it’s not just talk—this isn’t the first time he’s taken the Shocker to a prepped race. Earlier this year, when the car was practically brand new, he laid down an impressive 3.69-second pass.
For those who follow Pro Mod racing, that’s no small feat. What makes Kye’s setup even more interesting is that his screw-blown Camaro is light enough to meet the Pro Mod minimum weight requirements, a rarity for an NPK car. Under current rules, with a screw blower at 92% overdrive, Pro Mod cars must weigh at least 2,675 lbs. By contrast, NPK rules require heavier setups, but Kye’s Shocker remains exceptionally light and competitive in both categories.
Photo by Kye Kelley Racing
Tough Competition at the Snowbird Nationals
The Snowbird Nationals bring a unique challenge. Kye’s short-wheelbase Camaro will be going head-to-head with long-wheelbase Pro Mods designed specifically for prepped tracks. The differences in chassis setup and power delivery can be stark, but as Kye has proven before, he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion. At a PDRA race earlier this year, he not only qualified but also won a round, showcasing the Shocker’s potential against elite competition.
Kye’s ability to run a 3.69 in less-than-ideal conditions (high altitude and humidity) adds to the intrigue. The Snowbird Nationals, held in the cooler winter months, typically offer much better air. With improved track prep and conditions, many believe the Shocker has the potential to go even faster—possibly into the mid-3.60s.
What’s Next for Kye Kelley?
To qualify at the Snowbird Nationals, competitors will likely need to run in the mid-3.60s. It’s a tall order, but with Kye’s experience and the Shocker’s capabilities, it’s entirely possible. The car has already proven its worth, and with more laps and tuning adjustments, Kye could be a serious contender.
Photo by Kye Kelley Racing
The racing community is buzzing with anticipation to see how Kelley performs. Whether he’s running on no-prep surfaces or taking on the best Pro Mods in the world, Kye Kelley continues to be one of the most exciting racers in the sport. The Snowbird Nationals are shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and you can bet we’ll be watching every pass.
Stay tuned to StreetOutlawsTalks.com for updates, results, and more coverage of Kye Kelley and the Shocker Camaro as they take on the best in the business.