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Was Big Chief Right? The State of Street Outlaws Today

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another discussion here at StreetOutlawsTalks.com! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that’s been on the minds of many fans for a while now: Was Big Chief right about the direction Street Outlaws was headed?


Photo by Midwest Street Cars


The Evolution of Street Outlaws

Street Outlaws has been a beloved show for years, capturing the raw, unfiltered excitement of street racing. From the early days of gritty, underground races to the more polished productions of recent seasons, fans have watched as the show evolved. But with evolution comes change, and not all change is welcomed with open arms.


When Big Chief, one of the show's most iconic figures, decided to step away, it sent shockwaves through the community. His departure was met with a mix of disbelief, sadness, and, for some, a sense of foreboding. Chief had always been the heart and soul of the street scene, and his absence left many wondering what would happen next.


The Core of the Issue

At the time of his departure, there was a sentiment that the show was straying too far from its roots. The focus seemed to be shifting from the authentic street races that fans fell in love with to the more commercialized and structured format of No Prep Kings. Chief’s concerns were not just about the content but about the very essence of what Street Outlaws represented.


As time has passed, it's become clear that Chief’s worries were not unfounded. The show has indeed moved away from the raw street action that made it famous, and many fans feel that the magic of the early days has been lost. No Prep Kings, while popular in its own right, doesn’t capture the same spirit that the original street races did. It’s more of a controlled environment, lacking the unpredictability and edge that the street brought.


Photo by Midwest Street Cars


A Dying Flame?

Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to argue with those who say that the street aspect of the show has all but vanished. With the shift towards live events and a greater emphasis on No Prep Kings, the street side of things feels like a distant memory. Sure, there are still races, and the drivers are still out there doing what they do best, but it’s not the same. The raw, unfiltered street racing content that fans loved has been replaced with something that, while still entertaining, doesn’t quite have the same soul.


This brings us to the question: Was Big Chief right? Did the show lose its way when it moved away from its street roots? It’s a tough question to answer, but many fans would say yes. The street aspect was what made Street Outlaws unique, and without it, the show feels like it’s missing something.


Photo by Midwest Street Cars


Looking Forward

That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. No Prep Kings has its own fanbase and continues to thrive. For those who love the competition and the cars, there’s still plenty to enjoy. But for the die-hard street racing fans, it’s clear that things have changed, and not necessarily for the better.

There’s hope that the live street events might bring back some of that old magic, but even if they do, it’s unlikely to be the same as it was in the early days. The show has evolved, and while evolution is a natural part of any long-running series, it doesn’t always mean improvement.

In the end, whether or not Big Chief was right is up to each fan to decide. What’s clear is that the show is in a different place now than it was when he was at the helm, and for better or worse, it’s unlikely to return to what it once was.


Photo by Discovery


Join the Conversation

What do you think? Was Big Chief right? Has the show lost its way, or is this just a natural evolution of the series? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so make sure to leave a comment below or join the discussion on our social media channels. Let’s keep the conversation going!


Thank you for being a part of the StreetOutlawsTalks.com community. Your passion for the show and for street racing is what keeps us going, and we’re excited to see where the road leads next. Until then, keep your engines revving and your eyes on the road!

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1 Comment


BobCat Archery
BobCat Archery
Aug 09

I would love to see the old 405 street outlaws again. The NPK stuff has become too high tech and hard to follow. I know that someone is making money from it...but it's a PITA to keep up.

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