In the world of street racing, Kamikaze Chris (Chris Day) and his iconic 1980 El Camino, affectionately known as "The Elco," have cemented themselves as a dynamic duo. Featured on Discovery’s hit show Street Outlaws, Kamikaze has developed a reputation for his bold driving style and fearlessness, earning him the moniker "Kamikaze" due to his willingness to push boundaries. His passion for racing, however, is only half of the story. The El Camino itself, with its rich history and unique challenges, forms the other half of this legendary partnership.
Source: Instagram @so_kamikaze_chris
The Birth of a Racing Legend
Kamikaze's journey with Street Outlaws started alongside Justin "Big Chief" Shearer and the late Tyler "Flip" Priddy, his childhood friends from Oklahoma City. Kamikaze's father was a key figure in shaping his early interest in motorsports, exposing him to car and boat racing at a young age. This connection fostered a deep love for racing that eventually brought him to the forefront of the OKC street racing scene. However, it was Flip's untimely death that prompted Big Chief to pass down the keys to the famed El Camino to Kamikaze, trusting him to carry on Flip’s racing legacy.
The El Camino, or "Elco," wasn't just any car—it was a pieced-together beast with a big block Chevy engine and nitrous, a relic of raw street-racing power. Its makeshift build, consisting of spare parts and a lack of computer data analysis for tuning, made it an unpredictable yet fierce competitor on the asphalt. When Kamikaze took the wheel, he had to be nothing short of fearless—exactly what the car required.
Kamikaze's Approach to Racing
What truly sets Kamikaze apart from other racers is his relentless drive to succeed, regardless of the odds. Known for his calm demeanor behind the wheel, Kamikaze isn’t fazed by the risks or challenges involved in driving an unpredictable car like the El Camino. In fact, he thrives on pushing his car—and himself—to the limit. His racing style is reflective of his personality; he's willing to gamble it all in pursuit of victory, often putting his own safety on the line.
This daredevil attitude is what earned him the "Kamikaze" nickname, as he's known for making bold and sometimes dangerous decisions on the track. For him, being on the edge of control is not only acceptable—it's where he feels most at home. "Some people do drugs, some people drink… I’m the calmest and happiest when I’m this close to putting myself in the ground somewhere," Kamikaze once admitted, perfectly encapsulating his approach to racing.
The Challenges of the El Camino
While Kamikaze's fearless nature plays a big role in his success, the El Camino presents its own set of challenges that test his skills as a driver. Originally a factory-designed car with a wheelbase far too long for optimal racing, the El Camino is notoriously difficult to handle. Its driveshaft measures over 62 inches—an unwieldy length for a race car, making the vehicle prone to instability at high speeds. Yet Kamikaze has managed to tame this beast through sheer determination.
Source: Instagram
Despite the car’s imperfections, Kamikaze has worked tirelessly to upgrade its engine and drivetrain, transforming it into a formidable competitor on the streets. However, racing such a car isn’t just about raw power—it’s about learning how to make the best of what you have, a lesson Kamikaze has taken to heart. With limited resources and tight budgets, he often faces financial constraints that push him to innovate and get creative with repairs.
The Devastating Crash and Road to Recovery
In 2020, Kamikaze's journey hit a major roadblock when the El Camino was involved in a serious crash during the taping of Street Outlaws. The car was nearly destroyed, leaving Kamikaze to pick up the pieces both emotionally and financially. The crash was a devastating blow, as it left the El Camino’s body, chassis, and even its twin-turbo engine in ruins.
Rather than giving up, Kamikaze vowed to rebuild the car and return to the streets stronger than ever. The crash underscored the risks inherent in street racing, but it also highlighted Kamikaze’s resilience. Fans rallied behind him, with many contributing to fundraisers aimed at helping him rebuild his beloved El Camino. In the meantime, Kamikaze began exploring new racing opportunities, including a shift to a C5 Corvette, though his heart remains tied to the Elco.
The Legacy of Kamikaze Chris and the El Camino
Kamikaze Chris and his El Camino represent more than just racing—they symbolize perseverance, loyalty, and passion. Despite the financial struggles, the dangerous crashes, and the ever-changing landscape of street racing, Kamikaze continues to push forward, driven by his love for the sport and his desire to honor Flip’s legacy. The El Camino, with its rough edges and unpredictable nature, is a perfect metaphor for Kamikaze’s racing career: unpolished, challenging, but full of potential.
While Kamikaze has explored other cars, like the Corvette, the El Camino remains his most iconic ride. The duo’s ability to defy the odds on the track has turned them into fan favorites, embodying the spirit of street racing. As Kamikaze himself says, "I'm very prideful and very stubborn," and it's this tenacity that keeps him racing, rebuilding, and pushing the limits with his beloved Elco.
In the end, Kamikaze Chris and his El Camino are more than just a driver and his car—they are a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and passion in the high-octane world of street racing.
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