Welcome back to Street Outlaws Talks, your go-to source for all things Street Outlaws and No Prep racing! Today, we’re diving into one of the hottest topics around—who's in the hunt to win the coveted No Prep Elite Championship and which drivers still have a fighting chance.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
Seven Drivers Still in the Hunt
As we approach the final rounds, the competition is heating up! Seven racers still have a mathematical chance to clinch the No Prep Elite Championship:
Robin Roberts
Scott Taylor
Shawn Ellington
Kye Kelley
Ryan Martin
Jim Howe
Justin Swanstrom
Let’s take a closer look at the drivers, their matchups, and what needs to happen for them to take home the big trophy.
The Key Races: First Round Showdowns
Robin Roberts is in a strong position, but there’s still a lot that can go down in the first round. Robin will be up against either Nate Sayler or Chris Rankin, depending on how a race-off between the two turns out. Nate, in particular, has shown the kind of speed that could threaten Robin’s chances. For any of the other contenders to have a shot, they’re counting on Robin losing early.
Scott Taylor, another top contender, faces a familiar opponent in Kye Kelley—and this one is bound to be a nail-biter. Historically, there have been moments when friends racing for the championship offered each other a free pass. This leads to the big question: Will Kye hold back to give Scott a better shot at the title? Fans have seen both outcomes in previous seasons, so this one could go either way.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
Shawn Ellington will face Jeff Lutz, another instance of close friends going head-to-head. The burning question: Will Jeff give Shawn a full-blown race or a freebie? We’ve seen drivers prioritize their teammate’s championship hopes before, but Jeff’s competitive streak might mean he goes all out this time.
The Must-Win Scenarios: Cole vs. Martin
In perhaps the most critical first-round matchup, Clay Cole will be going head-to-head with Ryan Martin. It’s simple here: the loser is out of the title race. Both drivers have had a strong season, and Klay has already proven he can beat Ryan. If Ryan wants to stay in the hunt, he’ll likely need to bring out the “gray car” and give it everything he’s got. But in this unpredictable sport, anything can happen.
Jim Howe's Tough Road
Jim Howe finds himself in a tight spot. He’s set to face either Chris Rankin or Nate Sayler, both formidable opponents. Chris, in particular, has been a strong performer and could potentially knock Jim out. However, with Nate’s impressive speed, there’s a solid chance he might advance to face Jim, making it an even tougher battle.
Photo by Mallory Elizabeth Photography
Justin Swanstrom vs. Paige Coughlin
Rounding out the lineup, Justin Swanstrom is matched up against Paige Coughlin. Paige has been a fierce competitor, and Justin will need to bring his A-game to stay in contention. However, if Justin gets past the first round, it could be a game-changer in the title race.
What to Expect on Race Day
There are so many moving pieces to consider, especially when it comes to first-round matchups. The weather forecast adds another layer of complexity, with temperatures expected to hit 90°F and a DA (Density Altitude) of around 3,000 ft. Despite the Texas Motorplex being a good track, these hot conditions are bound to create challenges. Once the evening cools things down, expect the track to get faster—further shaking up the competition.
Will we see surprises or strategy in the first round? It’s not uncommon to see spoilers or freebies in a race where every round matters. It all boils down to Saturday night’s races, and it’s going to be intense. Fans are eager to see whether friends racing each other will go all-out or opt for strategic passes to give their buddies a chance at the championship.
Photo by Nate Sayler Racing
Final Thoughts
The No Prep Elite Championship isn’t just about who’s the fastest—it’s about strategy, pressure, and seizing the moment when it matters most. With seven drivers still in contention, it all comes down to Saturday night’s first-round matchups. Whether you’re cheering for Robin, Scott, Shawn, Ryan, Jim, or Justin, one thing’s for sure: this championship is far from decided.
So buckle up and stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis here at Street Outlaws Talks. We’ll be covering the action every step of the way as these drivers battle it out for the No Prep Elite Championship!
That’s it for today’s breakdown! Who do you think will take home the title? Drop a comment below and let’s get the conversation started. And remember to subscribe for more updates and insider info from the world of Street Outlaws.