Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington, reigning No Prep Kings world champion and one of the most recognized figures in drag racing, has officially announced his Pro Modified debut as part of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. Driving a stunning, baby blue ’69 Camaro powered by a ProLine Racing hemi and twin Harts Turbochargers, Ellington will join an already star-studded roster of competitors for the remainder of the series.
The car, owned by Keith and Misty Haney of Keith Haney Racing, carries significant sentimental value. Haney purchased the Camaro from the late Matt Zimmerman’s estate, ensuring the build aligned with Zimmerman’s vision.
“This car is special to me because Matt was such a great man and friend,” Haney explained. “Matt and I talked before his passing about his plans for the car, and when Mark and Vaughn approached me about buying it, I decided to do so and do exactly what Matt wanted done.”
With the car rebuilt and outfitted at Kryptonite Kustoms and Mayberry Motorsports, and guidance from Mark Micke of M&M Transmissions, Haney and Misty sought the right driver to bring it to life. According to Haney, the choice was clear.
“When I was asking my wife Misty who she thought should campaign the car, it didn’t take her long to answer, ‘Shawn’.”
Ellington, known for his immense success in No Prep competition and street racing fame, was humbled by the opportunity.
“The biggest thing is the confidence they have in me,” Ellington said. “That they would allow me and trust me to drive this machine that they have so much time and money invested in—it’s truly an honor.”
Ellington will bring his championship-winning crew from 187 Customs, including crew chief Daniel “Phantom” Parker and crew members Billy Ellington and Ben Harris, to service and maintain the car. “It’s an honor that Keith and Misty allowed us to bring our own crew to take care of this hot rod,” said Parker. “They could have brought in real professionals, but they trust us, and I’m very proud of that.”
Ellington’s entry into the Pro Mod field comes after fellow No Prep Kings standout Kye Kelley won the first race of the Winter Series at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals. Now, Ellington is eager to represent the No Prep community and prove himself on the sport’s biggest stage.
“We’ve been told for so long that we’re just TV racers and not real racers,” Ellington said. “I just want to see how I stack up against the greatest in the world.”
Wes Buck, founder and editorial director of Drag Illustrated and promoter of the Winter Series, is enthusiastic about Ellington joining the field.
“Bringing Shawn ‘Murder Nova’ Ellington into the mix—one of the most notorious street racers in the world—is undoubtedly a game changer,” Buck said. “First and foremost, Shawn is a great guy that I’ve known for a long time. That’s a big part of what all this is about—getting the right people involved who share the dream, share the vision, and see what we can do together. He’s a legitimate racing celebrity and brings so much to the table for the Winter Series and everyone involved.”
Buck also commended Haney’s role in making this happen.
“The fact that team owner Keith Haney, one of our veteran drivers and a big supporter of what we do, has Shawn in a twin-turbo Pro Mod Camaro that I believe is going to give him a legitimate chance to win—well, that’s just incredible,” Buck added. “We’ve got to give a big shoutout to Keith for making this happen and pushing for this to become a reality.”
The Drag Illustrated Winter Series, presented by J&A Service, is already cementing itself as a must-see event, bringing together racers from nearly every corner of the sport.
“The Winter Series presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for race fans to see drivers, teams, and cars from damn near every sanction, series, or event competing on a level playing field,” Buck said. “It’s almost unbelievable.”
Ellington and the team plan to test the car before competing in the second event of the Winter Series, the U.S. Street Nationals, and the series finale, the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod. For more information and event details, visit DragIllustrated.com.
This story was originally published on December 10, 2024. 
The post Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington Joins Drag Illustrated Winter Series Presented by J&A Service Pro Mod Roster first appeared on Drag Illustrated.