“Street Outlaws” is a hidden gem, but it is actually one of the best ‘live’ T.V. shows ever to exist. 

The show documents the daily lives- (which mostly consists of some of the cast being goofy, and others working on their vehicles) and nights- (which typically consists of street racing and scoring), of those listed in the 405. 

The 405 is the group name that represents those of the OKC (Oklahoma City) street racing crew. It documents all the “rivalries” and the issues that go on within the group. 

The biggest rivalry that the 405 has is with Memphis. Although not every episode depicts the rivalry between the two, it does, however, get mentioned every once in a while. 

Episodes that feature Memphis racing the 405, will cause the most internal angst within viewers because the rivalry is a “tradition” and no one wants to see the ‘team’ that they’re rooting for, lose. 

Fans of the 405 will always hold their breath and cross their fingers anytime the 405 races against Memphis. 

One of the best things about “Street Outlaws” is the fact that even when members of their own crew begin to have issues with one another, they are typically always able to set it aside when they need to encourage the rest of the crew. 

And the value of teamwork and setting aside differences is heavily present, when it comes to their own crew. Yes, there are moments that two or more of the crew members aren’t able to set aside their differences. 

There are moments that some of the crew members may get physical, and the show editors are then forced to bleep out foul language that takes place in their conversations. But could you really expect anything less? It is ‘live’ T.V, you know. 

Typically, despite whatever happens between the crew members, they always end up coming back together as one big ‘family’. “Street Outlaws” mostly covers the 405 members racing against one another. 

They have a list, and whoever beats someone on the list, their name goes up a number or slot. The list goes from 1-10, with 1 being the best, and 10 being the worst. 

For example, Big Chief, who’s real name is Justin Shearer (an original member of the 405), has always fought for his number 1 spot, and he usually always gets it and keeps it, because that’s just how good he is. 

But let’s say that Ryan Martin (another member of the 405, whose current spot is number 2), races against Big Chief and wins, that’d mean that Ryan would move up to the number 1 spot, and that Big Chief would moved down to the number 2 spot. 

That’s how the list works. They all race each other systematically, and they follow an obligation to do “call outs”. It’s ‘live’ and the events that go on in the show are really what goes on in real life. 

“Street Outlaws” is not like other shows and movies; they do not follow a script. They are themselves and their portrayal on the show is how they are off-screen. If you are interested in racing, vehicles, and automotives and engineering, like me, then this show is perfect for you. 

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the GENESIS staff. Email Lyn Jarrell at [email protected].