Inside the Life of Big Chief: The Street Racer Who Turned Passion Into Legacy

The roar of engines. The smell of burnt rubber. The adrenaline of a high-stakes race. That’s the world Big Chief lives for. If you’ve ever found yourself glued to an episode of Street Outlaws, daydreaming about life in the fast lane, chances are you’ve imagined what it must be like to walk a mile in Big Chief’s shoes.

Photo by Big Chief 405

But here’s the truth—Big Chief’s life isn’t just about racing down the street. It's a story rooted in passion, built on perseverance, and powered by grit. Justin Shearer, better known as Big Chief, lives a lifestyle that reflects everything we love about street racing. From his awe-inspiring garage to his hard-earned success, his world is every gearhead’s dream—and then some.

A Garage Built on Dreams and Horsepower

Step into Big Chief’s garage and you’ll know you’ve entered a car enthusiast’s paradise. We’re talking about a lineup that includes a pristine Mustang GT, a monstrous Ford pickup, and a fierce Dodge Challenger. But the real heart of his collection? That would be The Crow—his beloved 1972 Pontiac LeMans.

That car’s been by his side through thick and thin, including a near-fatal crash in 2015 that almost ended both of their stories. But Big Chief isn’t one to stay down. He rebuilt The Crow from the ground up—a true testament to his determination and loyalty to the game.

From a Kid on a Bike to King of the Streets

Big Chief didn’t stumble into fame. He hustled for it. Raised by a single mom in Louisville, Kentucky, and later moving to Oklahoma, he grew up grinding—working odd jobs just to fund his racing obsession. As a kid, he would ride his bike down to Route 66 just to watch street racers tear down the asphalt. That spark turned into a full-blown fire, and eventually, a career.

Photo by Big Chief 405

When Street Outlaws hit TV in 2013, Big Chief wasn’t just another cast member—he was the show. His driving skills, leadership, and down-to-earth personality made him an instant fan favorite. And the success followed. At his peak, he was making around $20,000 per episode. Add in merch, YouTube, and his work at Midwest Street Cars, and you're looking at a guy who built a $2 million empire—without ever selling out.

Fame Without the Flash

Here’s the thing that makes Big Chief different: He doesn’t chase clout. While some reality stars are all about luxury and attention, Big Chief keeps it real. You’ll find him rocking a ball cap, a plain tee, and jeans—not some flashy designer getup. His style stays true to his roots, just like everything else in his life.

Even when drama hit—like his exit from Street Outlaws—he stuck to his principles. Rumors swirled, but the truth is simple: He didn’t agree with how production started favoring Memphis racers. So instead of playing along, Big Chief walked. That’s integrity you don’t see often in TV land.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Still Building, Still Racing, Still Teaching

These days, Big Chief’s hustle hasn’t slowed one bit. His YouTube channel is packed with behind-the-scenes footage, car builds, and real street action. He’s hands-on at Midwest Street Cars Automotive, helping others build their dream machines while pushing the envelope on his own projects.

He’s also deeply connected with his fans. Whether it’s through social media updates or motivational posts, he treats followers like family. That kind of connection doesn’t come from a script—it comes from being real.

Powered by Passion, Grounded by Love

Behind the horsepower and street battles, Big Chief keeps life grounded. He shares a strong bond with Jackie Braasch, a fellow racer and partner in the world of performance cars. Their shared love for racing makes them one of the most respected duos in the scene. And when he’s not working on cars or hitting the strip, Big Chief enjoys simple pleasures—good music, good company, and a little peace.

A Lasting Legacy

At Street Outlaws Talks, we don’t just cover the races—we celebrate the racers who live this culture. Big Chief’s story is more than a timeline of wins and crashes. It’s about chasing your dreams full throttle and refusing to compromise who you are.

Even though Street Outlaws has moved on, Big Chief’s impact on car culture is alive and burning hot. He’s not chasing TV fame anymore—he’s chasing the next great build, the next mind-blowing pass, and the next chance to inspire.

And let’s be honest: There’s no slowing down Big Chief. Not now. Not ever.