Justin "Big Chief" Shearer, a staple of Street Outlaws, has been a force in the street racing world for years. His original car, a 1972 Pontiac LeMans known as "The Crow," became legendary on the streets of Oklahoma City. Unfortunately, after a severe crash in 2015, Big Chief was left without his beloved ride. However, his answer to this setback came with the unveiling of the Crowmod, a sleek, lightweight Pro Modified 1968 Pontiac Firebird that quickly became a new weapon in his arsenal.
Source: Youtube
The Evolution: From Crow to Crowmod
The Crowmod was unveiled at the 2015 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show. Built by Terry Murphy, this Firebird is a stark contrast to Big Chief's previous LeMans. While the Crow was known for its power, the Crowmod focuses on speed and agility, weighing around 1,000 pounds less than its predecessor. The key to its performance is the Butler Performance Pontiac engine, which Big Chief salvaged from the wrecked Crow. This 482-cubic-inch beast is enhanced by twin Precision 88mm turbochargers and runs on methanol, allowing for monstrous power output.
The chassis of the Crowmod is designed for weight savings and aerodynamics, giving Big Chief a competitive edge on the streets. This radical design choice moves away from the muscle car aesthetic of the Crow and aligns more with modern Pro Mod drag racing. Despite the changes, the heart of the Crowmod remains true to the Pontiac lineage.
Performance on the Streets
Big Chief's first real test of the Crowmod came shortly after its debut, where he took it for a shakedown at Northstar Dragway in Denton, Texas. Initial testing showed promise, with the car running a 4.36-second pass at 175 mph. However, the session ended prematurely when the engine backfired, causing significant damage to the powerplant. Despite this setback, Big Chief's determination never wavered. With the help of his engine builder, Rodney Butler, he managed to get the car ready for Lights Out 7, a prestigious small-tire radial race.
Source: X
The question remains whether the Crowmod can bring Big Chief back to the top of the Street Outlaws rankings. In recent years, racers like Kye Kelley have proven tough competition, but the Crowmod’s lightweight design and increased horsepower could tilt the balance in Big Chief's favor. Many fans are excited to see if this new weapon can help Big Chief reclaim his throne.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite its powerful engine and cutting-edge design, the Crowmod has faced its share of challenges. Engine issues during testing, for example, have set back Big Chief’s progress on the streets. However, every mishap only reinforces Big Chief's drive to perfect his car. One of the key partnerships in developing the Crowmod is with Jeff Lutz, a seasoned drag racer and builder who helped with the fabrication of the turbo system. Lutz's expertise has been instrumental in shaping the Crowmod into a car capable of competing at the highest level.
While the Crowmod is still a relatively new car on the racing scene, Big Chief’s dedication to perfecting it has garnered attention. His decision to keep the Pontiac roots intact, even after the Crow’s crash, demonstrates his loyalty to the brand and its legacy in street racing.
What’s Next for the Crowmod?
With the Crowmod, Big Chief is not just competing against other racers, but also against time and engineering challenges. The lightweight chassis, powerful engine, and enhanced aerodynamics are all designed to give him an edge on the streets and in competitions like Lights Out. However, the Crowmod represents more than just a new car; it’s a symbol of Big Chief’s resilience and passion for street racing.
The next phase of the Crowmod's development involves fine-tuning its performance on small tires. Big Chief’s goal is to make a serious run at the Radial vs. The World category, one of the toughest competitions in small-tire drag racing. As he continues to test and refine the car, fans are eager to see if the Crowmod can deliver on its promise to be the fastest street-raced car in the nation.
In conclusion, the Crowmod marks a new chapter in Big Chief's racing career. Its sleek, Pro Mod design, combined with the power of a Pontiac engine, makes it a formidable contender on the streets. As Big Chief continues to push the boundaries of what the Crowmod can achieve, it's clear that this new weapon is here to stay and ready to dominate the competition.
Comments