Justin “Lil’ Country” Swanstrom, a fan-favorite in the world of no-prep racing and a 2021 Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 honoree, has announced that he will not be returning to Speed Promotions Racing—formerly Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings—for the 2025 season. The news, delivered via a heartfelt Facebook statement, marks a major turning point in his career.
Swanstrom expressed his disappointment in not having his contract renewed, citing that the company has decided to move in a different direction. While they have shown interest in keeping him involved in a smaller capacity, the financial demands of competing in the series have made it impractical for him to continue.
“This is an announcement I deeply regret having to make,” Swanstrom wrote. “Together, we built SwanGang and JSR, and I am incredibly grateful for everything we have accomplished. However, I recently learned that my contract will not be renewed with Speed Promotions Racing for the 2025 Street Outlaws season.”
Despite the setback, Swanstrom made it clear that this is far from the end of his racing journey. He hinted at a return to his roots, utilizing the lessons he has learned throughout his time in No Prep Kings to forge a new path for his team, JSR.
“Everyone always said I have too many irons in the fire and that I can’t focus, but believe me, I’ve always been focused,” he stated. “My parents taught me to never have all [your] eggs in one basket and not be one-dimensional. We have options, and I plan on using them for our future.”
Swanstrom, known for his unapologetic personality and aggressive driving style, winning two events in 2024, built a loyal following under the Street Outlaws banner. However, he made it clear that the show did not define him. “I say this with the utmost humility—the show did not make me, and it will not break me. Our future is bright, and I am committed to putting in the work to achieve success.”
With a 2025 schedule set to be announced soon, Swanstrom remains optimistic about the road ahead. While his departure from Street Outlaws is certainly the end of a significant chapter, it is also the beginning of a new one—one that he plans to write on his own terms.
