Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington Announces Promod Debut for Drag Illustrated Winter Series
In a groundbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the drag racing community, 2024 No Prep Elite champion Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington has officially declared his highly anticipated promodified debut, setting his sights on dominating the remainder of the prestigious Drag Illustrated Winter Series. The jaw-dropping teaser video, masterfully produced by 187 Customs, unveiled a breathtaking, baby blue ’69 Camaro that’s destined to become an instant icon in the promod world. This mechanical masterpiece is equipped with a state-of-the-art ProLine Racing hemi engine and features a pair of cutting-edge Harts Turbochargers, promising to deliver earth-shattering performance on the track.
But this extraordinary story takes an even more compelling turn. The powerhouse duo of Keith and Misty Haney, the driving force behind Keith Haney Racing, are set to make their own mark on the series with their formidable nitrous-powered 2019 Camaro, appropriately nicknamed “Black Mamba.” The acquisition of the ’69 Camaro holds deep emotional significance, as Keith purchased it from the late Matt Zimmerman and his business partner Mark Michael. The vehicle carries a rich history, originally destined for the late Tim Slavens to showcase his skills in the Mid-West Drag Racing Series. Following Slavens’ passing, the talented Mark ‘TYDO’ Werdehausen took the wheel, adding another chapter to the car’s storied legacy. “This car is special to me because Matt was such a great man and friend,” Haney shared with genuine emotion. “Matt and I had meaningful conversations before his passing about his vision for the car, and when Mark and Vaugn approached me about acquiring it, I knew I had to honor Matt’s wishes and bring his dreams to fruition.”
The transformation of this legendary machine began with a visit to the renowned Kryptonite Kustoms, where it received an eye-catching new color scheme and wrap that perfectly captures its aggressive spirit. The next stop was Blake Housley’s Mayberry Motorsports, where the complete build was executed with meticulous attention to detail. In a strategic move that would prove crucial to the project’s success, Haney reached out to Mark Micke, the accomplished owner of M&M Transmission and Mid-West Drag Racing Series Promod Champion. Their discussions led to an exciting collaboration, with Micke not only joining the team but also giving his blessing to create a tribute to his own iconic ’69 Camaro in the build. With both Haney and Micke fully committed to their respective vehicles, the team faced one final crucial decision: finding the perfect driver to pilot this beast.
“During a conversation with my wife Misty about who should take the reins of this incredible machine, she didn’t hesitate for a moment before suggesting Shawn,” Haney reveals, highlighting the natural fit between driver and vehicle. Micke’s enthusiasm for the choice was equally apparent, as he eagerly agreed to apply his expertise as the car’s tuner. When presented with this extraordinary opportunity, Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington responded with characteristic humility, stating, “The biggest thing that strikes me is the unwavering confidence they’ve placed in me. The fact that they would entrust me with this phenomenal machine, representing their substantial investment of time and resources, is truly overwhelming.”
Adding to the excitement, Shawn Ellington will bring his championship-winning crew to the project, led by the experienced Crew Chief Daniel “Phantom” Parker and supported by the talented duo of Billy Ellington and Ben Harris. “It’s an incredible honor that Keith and Misty have embraced our vision to bring our own championship-winning crew to maintain and service their stunning new hotrod,” Phantom explains with pride. “They had the option to bring in established professionals from the promod world, but their trust in our abilities and experience speaks volumes about their confidence in our team’s capabilities.”
This collaboration represents more than just a new entry in the promod class; it’s a testament to the spirit of drag racing, where passion, respect, and legacy intersect to create something truly special. As Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington prepares to write the next chapter in his illustrious racing career, the drag racing community watches with bated breath, eager to witness this fusion of raw talent, cutting-edge technology, and racing heritage unleashed on the track.
This electrifying announcement follows an intense showdown at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals this past weekend, where fellow No Prep Elite powerhouse Kye Kelley clinched victory in the series opener. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Shawn Ellington, known worldwide for his dominance in the Murder Nova, prepares to carry the torch for the No Prep community into the ultra-competitive world of promod racing. With unwavering determination, he’s ready to prove himself against the most formidable drivers on drag racing’s grandest stage.
“For years, we’ve had to shoulder the criticism that we’re just TV racers, not real competitors,” Ellington shares with fierce determination in his voice. “Now, it’s time to silence those doubts once and for all. I’m here to measure myself against the absolute best in the world, and I’m coming to win.” His words carry the weight of years of dedication and countless victories that have defined his journey from street racing legend to professional motorsport competitor.
The team isn’t leaving anything to chance as they prepare for this historic debut. With an intensive testing program scheduled before the highly anticipated U.S. Street Nationals, Shawn and his crew are meticulously fine-tuning every aspect of their new promod beast. The commitment to excellence extends beyond just one event – they’re locked in for both remaining races of the series, demonstrating their serious intention to make a lasting impact in the promod world. The No Prep community watches with pride as one of their own steps up to challenge the established order of professional drag racing.
