What Happened to Big Chief on Street Outlaws? The Real Reason He Left the Show

Justin “Big Chief” Shearer was once the heart and soul of Street Outlaws, the Discovery Channel series that brought underground street racing into the mainstream. As the leader of Oklahoma City’s Team 405, Big Chief’s charisma, racing prowess, and deep love for the sport made him a fan favorite. However, his sudden absence from the show in 2021 left fans puzzled and speculating about the reasons behind his departure.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Creative Differences and Departure from the Show

Big Chief’s exit from Street Outlaws was not due to a lack of passion for racing but stemmed from growing creative differences with the show's production team. He became increasingly frustrated with the direction the show was taking, particularly the shift towards dramatized content and away from authentic street racing. In a candid YouTube video, Big Chief expressed his dissatisfaction with the evolving rules and the diminishing role of the race master, a position he once held with significant influence. He felt that the show no longer represented the genuine street racing culture he cherished, leading to his decision to step away.

Additionally, Big Chief had reservations about participating in the No Prep Kings spin-off series. He was not particularly interested in no-prep racing, preferring the traditional street racing format. While he occasionally took part in no-prep events to gather data for his car, The Crow, he generally avoided them, leaving the racing to other members of Team 405.

Photo by Big Chief 405

Personal Conflicts and Feuds

While creative differences were the primary reason for his departure, personal conflicts also played a role. During the filming of Street Outlaws: America’s List, Big Chief reportedly had a disagreement with fellow racer Precious Cooper over the show's rules. The altercation escalated, involving his girlfriend Jackie Braasch, and contributed to the tension on set. Although the feud was not the sole reason for his exit, it highlighted the growing discord between Big Chief and the show's direction.

Life After Street Outlaws

Despite leaving the show, Big Chief has not stepped away from the racing world. He returned to his roots, focusing on his business, Midwest Street Cars Automotive, in Oklahoma City. There, he works on restoring and tuning cars, sharing his projects and racing adventures on his YouTube channel, Midwest Street Cars. The channel offers fans an unfiltered look into his automotive endeavors, from building and testing cars to participating in street races.

Photo by E3xtreme

Big Chief has also been active on social media, keeping his fans updated on his latest projects and personal life. He continues to work on his beloved car, The Crow, and other vehicles, maintaining his presence in the street racing community. His passion for racing remains undiminished, and he has expressed no intention of quitting the sport.

The Future: A Possible Return?

While Big Chief has no current plans to return to Street Outlaws or its spin-offs, he has not entirely ruled out the possibility. In interviews, he has stated that he would consider returning if the show reverted to its original format, focusing on authentic street racing without excessive production interference. However, for now, he is content pursuing his passion on his terms, free from the constraints of reality television.

In conclusion, Big Chief’s departure from Street Outlaws was driven by a desire to preserve the integrity of street racing and to stay true to his values. While fans miss his presence on the show, his continued involvement in the racing community ensures that his legacy lives on. Whether or not he returns to television, Big Chief remains a prominent figure in the world of street racing, inspiring enthusiasts with his unwavering dedication to the sport.