Justin Shearer, better known to motorsports fans as Big Chief, didn't just step away from television; he walked out on his own terms. As the breakout star and foundational anchor of Discovery's hit series Street Outlaws, his sudden absence left millions of viewers wondering how a primary architect of the franchise could simply vanish from the screen.
The short answer is creative burnout, sharp disagreements with production rules, and a desire to return to unscripted, authentic car culture. Behind the dramatic edits and reality television formatting, Shearer found himself at odds with how the sport was being packaged. Here is the complete look at why he left, what led up to his departure, and how he spends his time now.
The Breaking Point with Production
For years, Shearer was more than just a driver on Street Outlaws; he functioned as a central coordinator and a face of the Oklahoma City 405 crew. However, tension mounted as the network and production companies shifted focus toward heavily scripted drama and new spin-off formats like America's List.
The final fracture occurred over rigid production rules and a controversial "race your way in" policy. Shearer publicly explained that he attempted to advocate for common-sense rule adjustments to make competition fairer, only to be met with resistance from producers. Frustrated by the corporate control dictating who could race and how long filming schedules dragged on, Shearer walked away from production during filming without looking back. He realized television had stopped being about fast cars and started feeling like a chore.
Life After Television: Returning to YouTube
Instead of jumping to another network, Shearer pivoted entirely away from mainstream media. He poured his energy into digital platforms, launching dedicated content creation that allowed total creative freedom.
Without producers editing his life for maximum drama, he returned to what he loved most: wrenching on vehicles, testing setups, and hanging out in the shop. His digital footprint focuses heavily on hands-on automotive fabrication, engine tuning, and real-world testing without studio interference. Fans looking for his old energy find it on independent channels where he documents building and modifying projects like the Crow and Caddy Jack.
Focus on Family and Personal Ventures
The punishing filming schedules required for national reality television exact a heavy toll on personal lives. Operating a custom auto shop while traveling across the country for months at a time created unsustainable pressure.
Stepping away allowed Shearer to prioritize his family and personal relationships, including his life with Jackie Brasch. By cutting ties with cable television obligations, he regained control over his daily schedule. Midwest Street Cars and independent shop projects became his main professional focus, letting him balance business with a private life away from tabloid rumors and network pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Big Chief still street race?
Yes, but away from the cameras. He focuses on private testing, local track events, and creating automotive content for his independent channels rather than participating in organized television races.
Will Big Chief ever return to Street Outlaws?
Shearer has stated multiple times that he is completely done with television. He feels no regret about leaving and has no plans to rejoin the franchise under its current production structure.
What happened to the original Crow car?
The iconic Pontiac LeMans known as "The Crow" remains a piece of street racing history. While it doesn't see the same high-stakes televised action it once did, Shearer still tinkers with and updates his classic builds behind closed doors.
Where can I watch what he is doing now?
He shares regular updates, build progress, and testing sessions directly on independent digital platforms like YouTube, bypassing traditional network channels entirely.
