Welcome back to StreetOutlawsTalks.com! Today, we’re diving into one of the most anticipated No Prep Kings (NPK) events of the season—Rockingham. Known for its fast track and exceptional air conditions, Rockingham has set the stage for what could be the fastest races we’ve seen in 2024.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
Last night marked the first official evening of action, with testing underway and all eyes on some serious speed. As always, the NPK races kicked off at 5 p.m., and early indications point to a track that’s in prime condition. There’s already been plenty of buzz about the surface being well-prepped, which, combined with the low-density altitude and favorable weather, is expected to deliver blistering times down the strip.
Perfect Conditions for Fast Passes
Earlier in the day, Disco Dean gave us a glimpse behind the scenes, going live on social media to show his crew making key adjustments to his Cadillac. They were tweaking the car’s converter and dialing in a tighter setup to put down more power—something we expect many other teams are doing as well. The reasoning? The conditions are just too good to leave anything on the table. With cool air and a smooth track, there’s no doubt we’ll witness some of the fastest passes of the season.
Last weekend in Tulsa, we saw incredibly close racing, and from the looks of it, Rockingham might push that intensity to another level. One standout moment from Tulsa was the epic battle between Jim Howe and Ryan Martin. It was a photo-finish race that’s still fresh in everyone’s minds—a perfect example of how tight the competition is in the Elite 16. Whether you were rooting for Jim or Ryan, it was impossible not to be impressed by the skill and speed on display. NPK fans know that these close finishes are becoming more common, and Rockingham promises even more of them.
All Eyes on the Elite 16
The Elite 16 racers are in a league of their own, and as we've seen so far this season, it’s anyone’s game. Everyone in this elite group is fast, and the margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin. This is the kind of competition that makes No Prep Kings so exhilarating to watch.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
So, what’s on the horizon for Rockingham? The weather forecast is calling for a density altitude (DA) below 2,000 feet and water grains between 50 and 70. For the turbocharged and supercharged combinations, that means ideal conditions to crank out serious horsepower. ProChargers and screw blowers, in particular, will be making big power with this air.
Will Anyone Dethrone Shawn Ellington?
Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington has held onto the top spot in the standings, and it’s safe to say he’s the man to beat. With a comfortable lead, he’s been running consistent and fast passes, leaving many wondering if anyone can catch him. Kai Kelly, one of the fan favorites, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s been unable to consistently beat Shawn this season. Kai’s car has the power, no doubt, but keeping the front end down and staying smooth has been a challenge.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
With Rockingham offering such perfect conditions, the big question is: can Kye or anyone else close the gap on Shawn? Only time will tell. It’s also worth watching the screw-blown cars, which have been extremely competitive, especially when they manage to keep all four wheels planted.
Looking Ahead
As we gear up for the next rounds at Rockingham, it’s clear that we’re in for a show. With the track in prime shape and teams pushing their setups to the limit, don’t be surprised if you see some record-breaking times. It’s going to be fast, it’s going to be close, and it’s definitely going to be exciting.
Stay tuned to StreetOutlawsTalks.com for updates, race recaps, and everything you need to know about the world of Street Outlaws No Prep Kings. We’ll be bringing you all the latest from Rockingham and beyond. Buckle up, because this season is far from over, and the racing is only getting better!
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