In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the world of professional drag racing, top-ranked racer Axel “Nitro” Navarro has been suspended indefinitely following an unauthorized street race that ended in chaos late Saturday night.
According to eyewitnesses and a now-viral drone video, Navarro, known for his blistering speeds on the official track, was seen tearing through an industrial zone in Bakersfield in a customized Dodge Challenger Demon—modified with jet thrusters for experimental purposes. The unsanctioned race, dubbed “Midnight Mayhem” by underground racing fans, featured several other high-profile racers and drew a crowd of nearly 200 spectators.
Things spiraled out of control when Navarro’s car reportedly grazed a power transformer while pulling off a risky side-drift maneuver, causing a city-wide blackout that lasted over three hours. No injuries were reported, but city officials estimate over $150,000 in infrastructure damage.
The National Drag Racing Federation (NDRF) released a statement Sunday afternoon:
“Axel Navarro’s actions not only violated multiple league regulations but also endangered the public and the integrity of the sport. Effective immediately, he is suspended from all NDRF-sanctioned events pending a full investigation.”
Navarro, 28, had just come off a record-breaking season, with endorsements pouring in and a rumored movie deal in the works. In a cryptic social media post following the incident, he wrote:
“Speed doesn’t wait for rules. It’s in the blood. Let them try to cage the storm.”
Fans are split. While some call for his permanent ban, others are hailing him as a modern-day rebel, comparing him to the early legends of illegal drag racing who built the sport from the streets.
Meanwhile, law enforcement is said to be “actively investigating” the event, and sources suggest Navarro could face criminal charges in addition to his professional suspension.
As for the drag racing world—one thing’s for sure: the line between hero and outlaw just got a lot blurrier.