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Justin “Big Chief” Shearer, the star of the Discovery Channel’s still-controversial but immensely popular Street Outlaws reality program has paid a visit to Raceway Park in Englishtown for the NHRA Summernationals this weekend to take in the action, and his presence there isn’t by coincidence.
In a sign of solidarity between diametrically opposed forces in the drag racing world, Shearer and NHRA officials are expected to make a landmark announcement this weekend that should have everyone, NHRA and Street Outlaws fans alike, talking. And, if what we’ve been hearing over the past few months is indeed true, it won’t be the last time we see Shearer at an NHRA national event this year.
Update: Shearer confirmed to Dragzine today in Englishtown that he has partnered with the NHRA to film a Public Service Announcement jointly discouraging illegal street racing, which will be aired during NHRA national events and on NHRA broadcasts on FOX Sports. This development is of particular intrigue and represents a significant reversal in the NHRA’s sentiment regarding the street racing reality show, which it previously argued opposed the mission statement and very purpose of organizations’ existence. This unique partnership, however, signifies a positive step forward for drag racing, bringing two of the leading voices in the business together for the greater good and growth of the sport. We’ll have a more in-depth report on this story in the coming days.