Shawn Ellington, widely recognized as Murder Nova, is a celebrated street racer and reality TV star featured on Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $2 million, driven by his racing career, television appearances, and business ventures. At 47 years old, married to Erin Ellington, and a father to son Aiden, Shawn balances a high-octane career with family life. His salary per episode of Street Outlaws is approximately $20,000, supplemented by race winnings and sponsorships. This article dives into his biography, career milestones, personal life, and unique insights into his journey.
Early Life and Age: The Roots of a Racing Legend
Born on November 15, 1977, in Merced, California, Shawn Ellington is 47 years old in 2025. His passion for cars ignited early, working in his father Richard’s auto body shop in Sayre, Oklahoma, where the family relocated in 1982. Sweeping floors and learning automotive skills, Shawn developed a deep connection to car culture. This hands-on experience shaped his expertise, setting the stage for his racing career. Unlike many racers, Shawn’s journey began not with privilege but with grit, learning every facet of car maintenance from the ground up.
“Growing up in my dad’s shop, I wasn’t just handed a race car. I earned every bolt and wrench,” Shawn shared in a 2024 interview on The Chief and Shawn Show.
Career and Salary: From Street Outlaws to No Prep Kings Champion
Shawn’s rise to fame began with his 2013 debut on Street Outlaws, where he earned the title “King of the Street” for three years. His iconic 1969 Chevy Nova, dubbed Murder Nova, is a twin-turbo beast producing 3,400 horsepower, upgraded with titanium headers and a lightweight front end. In 2024, Shawn achieved a career pinnacle by winning the No Prep Elite Season 7 Championship at Texas Motorplex, securing a $120,000 prize and a points championship (Drag Illustrated). His salary from Street Outlaws is estimated at $20,000 per episode, with additional income from race winnings and co-owning Midwest Streetcars.
Shawn’s transition to No Prep Kings (NPK) showcased his adaptability. Initially treating NPK as a learning curve, he committed fully in 2021, adopting a data-driven approach with crew chief Phantom. This shift led to his first NPK Invitational win in April 2024 at Virginia Motorsports Park. His 2025 venture into Pro Modified racing with a ’69 Camaro marks a bold new chapter, blending street racing roots with professional drag racing (Drag Illustrated).
Net Worth in 2025: A Breakdown of Earnings
As of 2025, Shawn Ellington’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. This wealth stems from multiple streams:
- Television Salary: $20,000 per episode for Street Outlaws and spin-offs.
- Race Winnings: Significant prizes, including $120,000 from the 2024 No Prep Elite finale.
- Business Ventures: Co-owning Midwest Streetcars and 187 Customs, a performance shop.
- Sponsorships: Partnerships with automotive brands like ProLine Racing and Harts Turbochargers.
- Merchandise: Sales through 187 Customs.
Unlike earlier estimates ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, Shawn’s recent successes, particularly in NPK, have boosted his financial standing. His strategic investments in car upgrades and crew expertise reflect a calculated approach to wealth-building.
Married Life and Family: Erin and Aiden Ellington
Shawn Ellington has been married to Erin Ellington since December 17, 2005, celebrating 20 years of marriage in 2025. Erin, known as @mrs_murdernova on Instagram, is Shawn’s biggest supporter, often sharing family moments. Their son, Aiden Ellington, born February 8, 2006, shares his father’s passion for cars, working on an LS-swapped 1972 Chevelle. Shawn frequently praises Erin’s role in balancing his demanding career, noting in a July 2025 Instagram post, “Erin keeps our family grounded while I chase speed.”
The Ellingtons’ tight-knit bond is evident in their social media, where they share milestones like Aiden’s high school graduation and racing projects. Unlike many reality stars, Shawn keeps his dating history private, with no public record of past relationships, emphasizing his commitment to Erin.
Unique Insights: The Evolution of Murder Nova
Shawn’s journey offers a case study in resilience. Unlike peers who rely solely on talent, Shawn’s success hinges on data-driven racing. His crew’s use of weather tracking, tire wear analysis, and engine performance metrics transformed the Murder Nova into a consistent winner. This scientific approach, rare in street racing’s early days, sets Shawn apart. His 2024 NPK win wasn’t luck but the result of three weeks of pre-season testing and upgrades, a stark contrast to his earlier “instinctive” racing style.
Shawn’s influence extends beyond racing. His podcast, The Chief and Shawn Show, co-hosted with Big Chief, offers fans raw insights into the racing world, amassing 50,000 monthly listeners in 2025. This platform humanizes Shawn, revealing his humor and dedication, unlike the polished personas of some reality stars.
Biography Table: Shawn Ellington’s Life at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shawn Ellington |
| Nickname | Murder Nova |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1977 |
| Age | 47 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Merced, California, USA |
| Current Residence | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
| Occupation | Street Racer, Reality TV Star, Business Owner |
| Net Worth | $2 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $20,000 per Street Outlaws episode |
| Marital Status | Married to Erin Ellington (since December 17, 2005) |
| Children | Aiden Ellington (born February 8, 2006) |
| Education | Limited public information; trained in father’s auto body shop |
| Notable Achievements | King of the Street (2013–2016), No Prep Elite Season 7 Champion (2024) |
| Business Ventures | Co-owner of Midwest Streetcars, 187 Customs |
| Car | 1969 Chevy Nova (Murder Nova), 1969 Camaro (Pro Mod debut in 2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @murdernova |
| Podcast | The Chief and Shawn Show |
| Crew | 187 Customs (Phantom, Billy, Ben) |
Shawn’s Legacy and Future in Racing
Shawn’s 2025 Pro Modified debut with a ’69 Camaro signals his ambition to dominate new racing formats. This move, backed by Keith Haney Racing, positions him among drag racing’s elite. His crew’s loyalty, particularly Phantom’s multifaceted role, underscores the teamwork behind his success. Shawn’s story isn’t just about speed but about evolving from a shop cleaner to a racing icon, inspiring fans and aspiring racers.
For more on Shawn’s journey, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on LinkedIn. Stay updated via 187 Customs for racing news and merchandise.
