Keith Haney

Summit Racing
Strange Engineering
RacingJunk.com
Musi Racing Engines
Kryptonite Kustomz
Switzer Dynamics
MoTeC
Lenco Racing Transmissions
Tulsa Raceway Park
VP Race Fuels
Precision Racing Suspension
Stroud Safety
Race Star Industries
Callies
Energy Manufacturing
UEM Pistons  Rings
Total Seal
Neal Chance Racing Converters
Bartlesville
Nissan of Muskogee
Classic Chevy
Regional Hyundai
Suburban Chevy
OK Autos Direct
Pryor
LAT Racing Oils
Quarter-Max
But make no mistake—our goal is to be in the top half of the field. - Murder Nova
686
1/18/2025

1/18/2025

Keith Haney


But make no mistake—our goal is to be in the top half of the field. - Murder Nova

Blue Takes Center Stage: Inside the 187 Customs Pro Mod Journey
An in-depth look at the challenges, preparations, and high stakes ahead of Florida's epic drag racing showdown.

The Legacy of “Blue” and Its Pro Mod Evolution
At the heart of the latest live session from 187 Customs was an exciting deep dive into their latest Pro Mod project, affectionately nicknamed "Blue." Owned by Keith Haney Racing and previously built by Matt Zimmerman, “Blue” is more than a car—it’s a tribute, a powerhouse, and a symbol of collaboration in the racing community.
Origins:
Originally built for Zimmerman, the car was reimagined by Keith Haney Racing after Zimmerman’s passing. Shawn Ellington, better known as Murder Nova, was tasked with driving it—a testament to Haney’s trust in Shawn’s capabilities.
Specs & Features:
Twin 88mm Hart turbos.
A 5,300-horsepower engine built by Pro Line Racing Engines.
Cold-side wastegate technology for improved turbo performance.
Weight: 2,725 pounds, including 150 pounds of added ballast for Pro Mod compliance.
Expected speed: Over 220 mph in the quarter-mile.

Facing the Florida Challenge
The team is gearing up for one of the most competitive Pro Mod events in history, where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Race Stats:
Over 80 cars are expected to compete.
Only 32 cars will qualify.

The qualifying field at the last event had a mere 0.05-second difference between positions 1 and 32, making it one of the tightest competitions ever.
Shawn shared: “If we qualify, that’s something to celebrate. But make no mistake—our goal is to be in the top half of the field.”

Challenges and Preparations
The livestream highlighted the team's hurdles, from battling weather to finalizing the car’s setup. Despite the obstacles, optimism remained high.
Testing Plans:
The car just finished at the dyno due to unexpected snowstorms in Missouri and Kansas.
Testing will take place in Florida, starting Monday, with the team arriving on Sunday to set up.
Technical Adjustments:
The car will require the oil pan to be removed and rod bearings replaced every five passes—a testament to its extreme power output.
Shawn noted: “It’s time-consuming, but necessary. This car is pushing the limits of performance.”
Mindset:
Shawn admitted to some nerves about driving “Blue” for the first time but emphasized his focus:
“I’m not worried about driving; I’m worried about the details—staging, bumping the car in, cutting a good light. It’s a lot to figure out in a short amount of time, but I’m ready.”

Standout Moments from the Stream
Kye Kelley’s Dominance:
The livestream revisited the last Pro Mod race, where Kye Kelley dominated with a steel-bodied car at full Pro Mod weight. Shawn praised Kye’s performance:
“We’re big fans of Kye. Watching him win was incredible, even if it means the bar is set high for us.”
Shawn’s First Pass:
Anticipation is building for Shawn’s first pass in the car. He joked about using video-recording Ray-Ban glasses to capture the moment, saying:
“If I’m not too scared to death, I’ll record it. We’ll see what happens!”

Key Takeaways from the Livestream
Weight Matters:
“Blue” carries 150 pounds of ballast to meet Pro Mod regulations.
Many competitors run lighter chassis, providing a significant advantage in speed and handling.
Pro Mod Field Depth:
The last event saw 65 cars compete, with 33 failing to qualify.
This upcoming race expects over 80 entries, making it even more competitive.
Team Dynamics:
The team’s camaraderie and determination were evident throughout the livestream.

Looking Ahead: Florida and Beyond
As the team prepares to load up and head to Florida, excitement and determination are at an all-time high. Shawn summarized their approach:
“We’re going to give it everything we’ve got. Qualifying would be a win in itself, but we’re aiming higher. The plan is to test, adapt, and prove that ‘Blue’ belongs on the track with the best of them.”

Key Point Details
Car Stats:
5,300 horsepower.
Twin 88mm Hart turbos.
2,725 pounds total weight with ballast.
Race Stats:
80+ cars competing.
32 qualifying spots.
0.05-second difference between top and bottom qualifiers in the last event.
Testing Schedule:
Begins Monday in Florida.
Livestream of testing available on Flo Racing’s YouTube channel.
Quotes:
Shawn: “The pressure’s on, but we’re ready to rise to the challenge.”
On Kye Kelley: “Watching him win was something special. He raised the bar for all of us.”

Stay Tuned
With “Blue” prepped and ready for action, the team at 187 Customs is poised for an unforgettable week of drag racing. Follow their journey on Flow Racing and keep an eye on their updates for behind-the-scenes content and race day results. See you in Florida!


Article Credit: Michael Narx

Submitted By: Michael Narx

Article Media

Back to News

Latest Videos