The 2025 US Street Nationals qualifying sessions are in the books, and it’s safe to say we’ve seen some truly impressive performances on the track. Let’s dive into the highlights, the heartbreaks, and what’s next as the eliminations loom.
Photo by Youtube @stoutlawsnopreptalk
Kye Kelley: Consistent and Confident
Kye Kelley came into the US Street Nationals as one of the favorites, and he’s proven why. In his final qualifying run, he clocked a 3.60 at 207 mph. While it didn’t improve on his second-session time of 3.59 at 207 mph, it was more than enough to solidify his spot in eliminations. With impressive 60-foot times (0.922) and a strong back half, Kai is looking dialed in and ready for tomorrow’s races.
Scott Taylor Steps Up
Scott Taylor also made a statement in qualifying, improving significantly to run a 3.63 at 205 mph. While we haven’t seen the final qualifying sheet to confirm the bump spot, it’s safe to say Scott’s run should secure him a spot in the eliminations. With only three qualifying sessions compared to the usual four, the competition has been even tighter than expected, but Scott rose to the challenge.
Murder Nova: A Tough Break
For Shawn Ellington, aka Murder Nova, the weekend didn’t go as planned. His new car, which was just completed before this event, ran a 3.67 at 217 mph. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to make the cut. It’s a tough break, but considering the lack of testing time, the performance was still impressive. With more seat time and tuning, this car is sure to be a contender in future events. Shawn’s fans can rest assured that he’ll be back stronger and faster.
Photo by Murder Nova
Mark Micke Leads the Pack
Mark Micke turned heads with a blistering 3.56 in his final qualifying session, cementing his position at the top of the field. With a car that’s been dialed in over years of testing and racing, Mark continues to show why he’s one of the best in the game. His consistent performances make him a strong favorite heading into eliminations.
Other Notable Performances
Mike Bowman, who recently switched to a twin-turbo setup, ran a respectable 3.68 at 212 mph but didn’t make the cut. Similarly, Larry Larson clocked a 3.70 in his steel-bodied car, and Robin Roberts ran a 3.69, but neither qualified. The competition was fierce, and the margin for error was razor-thin.
Photo by Mike Bowman Racing
What to Expect in Eliminations
With near-perfect track and air conditions, we’re expecting some incredibly close races in tomorrow’s eliminations. The twin-turbo setups seem to have a slight edge in qualifying, with the fastest car clocking a 3.56. However, screw blowers and ProCharger combinations are running strong and could surprise everyone when it counts.
One interesting dynamic to watch will be how the cars handle changing conditions. Twin-turbo setups tend to perform better in less favorable weather, which could come into play as the day progresses. However, with the field as tight as it is, strategy and execution will be just as important as horsepower.
The Road Ahead
As the Street Outlaws community knows, anything can happen once eliminations begin. The drivers and teams will be pushing their cars to the limit, and we’re expecting some jaw-dropping performances. Whether you’re a fan of Kai Kelly’s consistency, Scott Taylor’s determination, or Mark Micke’s dominance, there’s no doubt that the US Street Nationals are delivering the kind of action we live for.
Stay tuned to Street Outlaws Talks for the latest updates, results, and behind-the-scenes insights as the 2025 US Street Nationals unfold. Let us know in the comments who you’re rooting for and your predictions for tomorrow’s eliminations!
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