Behind the Scenes: Part 1

The first of a multi part series of James recounting his experience on "The Show".

[@jasonlarson9835]

Hello James, first time reaching out to anyone on the subject of racing. Been watching a lot of racing videos since the 1st year you fellas appeared on tv. I have throughly enjoyed the show. You personally have chosen the baddest car name out of all the members of the 405. Quite frankly a man who comes from school of hard knocks usually the most straight up individuals I have ever come across.I really enjoy watching your you tube channel. I believe what you have spoken about on your channel is real to the core keep up your great passion on racing. Catch you later James!

[@Joe.G]

Thank you for always being 💯 with your fans. Much respect Reaper. ✌️

[@jasondeantheguitarvlogger9565]

Dude it takes a lot of humility to stand up like you have. Especially the last video I watched wow.

[@jeffhickman418]

Thanks so much for the talks. I watch the series EVERY Monda night

[@jeremybrooks2183]

Reaper you are one of the best drivers in dragracing. Love your racecars , and really glad to hear your side . We can always hear the truth from you . Can't wait to see you on the track and the street

[@brandonm4344]

Great story, I swear I could sit & listen to you all day.

[@markwhite6968]

reaper you are the best show will never be the same without you x

[@aljackson3300]

I think reaper is the realest guy on the whole show he is and will always be my favorite keep it up reAper

[@redskinlgnd]

I still remember the first pass we did with the original reaper! Sure do miss that stuff! Love ya Uncle James and aunt Stacy! Miss yal! This is Matthew btw.

[@davidjenkins2618]

Enjoy the hell out of these videos. Keep posting them.

[@jerrygilbertjr341]

Man you've always spoke what you believe. That is something that most people are afraid to do. Just keep doing you and stay straight up blunt and honest... Much respect

[@mr99ninja]

Your a straight up guy. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@kimcoulter806]

Love hearing the back story to what reality is on the show.

[@Dkcarrow]

Reaper I think you’re the absolute bad ass brother I supported you when I seen you on TV and what you stand for with it without street outlaws keep it up my brother from Sacramento County California

[@tonyadams427]

Man I love hearing these real life, no fluff, no bullshit, no sugar coating stories. It takes a real man to tell it how it is, and even admit when he was wrong in front of millions of people and call the person he was wrong about and apologize. A lot of people don’t like this guy, and it’s just because he ain’t afraid to try his damndest to back up everything he says he will do, and in most cases he comes out on top. That’s why so many people don’t like him. Instead of applauding the man and giving him credit when credit is due, people want to bash him. I like the shit out of this guy and my son and I were fortunate enough to meet him at the very first Street Outlaws NPK race in Memphis a couple of years ago. This guy is the real deal. Keep on being you Reaper, those who don’t like you can just follow someone else. Sorry, my rant is over now.

[@mylesreed3780]

Literally been watching all your videos for past 3 days

[@Chucko941]

I won’t forget that night when I seen you run up That list. You were on fire 🔥 that night. I was on the edge of my seat. I really enjoy your vlogs and I have a lot of respect for you. Thank you

[@scottriffe222]

Great video can't wait til next one. Really appreciate it.

[@jimmy2squal544]

Awesome video can’t wait till next one

[@wickedwires64]

Stoked for the series, you and your pals should start your own show, even just posting races on youtube I bet people would love to see ya rippin down the track or the street any day!!

[@jeffdill1507]

Just glad to hear the honesty

[@bencolegrove2232]

I remember that first show. Who can’t tryst a guy with that smile as Shawn said. I respect you bro an keep it up

[@mattwalker5852]

Great video James , keep the content coming and I'm a huge fan. Would love to meet you one day !!!

[@Davidpetty87]

Your are one of the most real person that was on the show. You were my favorite person on the show because you don't put up with all the BS that the show brings. Be yourself buddy

[@chrisebberts8163]

I love these messages are great my own father does not speak to me but this hits me hard and I love it

[@timkline9985]

Thank you for doing these videos, Reaper! Really enjoy watching and listening to them. Keep them coming, hope everything stays well on your end!

[@harrellgj]

Love these stories. Gives great insight to behind the scenes and how things work.

[@chrisstratton3430]

Shawn is definitely 100% solid. He is clearly focusing on being a humble, what you see is what you get, honest type dude. I really respect him a good bit and it is obvious that Justin's approach does not value these ideals like Shawn does and I'm confident this played a role in the split. Truth be told though - the 405 would be absolutely no where without Chief and his full tilt approach. While he can be sneaky - I don't find him going out of his way to BS everybody either. He is a different type of straight shooter (As opposed to someone like JJ - Jesus God -- Fuckin' that guy..... Sheesh!)

[@scallen3841]

Oh yeah he played games , changed the list rules to benefit him .

[@jamesward6223]

Got to respect a man that's strait up and no bullshit

[@stevie..d..pontiactransamm1215]

REAPER,I RESPECT YOU TREMENDOUSLY FOR STANDING YOUR GROUND ON THE SHOW,IT WAS YOU AND FARMTRUCK THAT WHERE LIGIT REAL....RESPECT MY MAN.....

[@darrylbristow380]

You need your own show!!!

[@tylerjackson8611]

Glad to see ya telling your side of the story can't wait for the series to start

[@RockyJayyy]

What series?

[@jamesmcintosh497]

Can't wait for the other parts

[@andycory908]

Fucking love this , straight up cowboy. Sending love from our family to yours ,from Beardmore Ontario Canada.. been there my man from another guy that's fucked up and made good. Respect

[@drewcifer2a]

Cant wait for part 2. I was a huge fan of the show for many many years. Then i noticed the change in chief and idk if it was producers or the money or a combo of both but the show started going down hill fast. In my opinion the best episodes are when you all race your daily drivers.

[@CaptainCurt07]

I think u brought a dynamic to show, people knew the reaper man was not push over n if he made good pass you were in trouble, I hate to use the word character but it’s TV and your character fit great into show, at the end of the day if u can get paid to do what you love I BELIEVE many people would really enjoy seeing the reaper man again. Respect 👍🏼

[@brentlofton4316]

Absolutely 💯 new found RESPECT!! for you sir. I binge watched most of your videos the past two days and you sir are a stand up person yourself. Keep your head up .

[@drumminsonlive9199]

Thanks for sharing this Reaper it was always obvious how you were treated like crap and I know who the instigators were. Looking forward to the rest of the story... Thanks

[@williehill7919]

The Reaper is still my favorite car!! We saw that the rules were for only certain drivers on the show. That's why it's no where as popular as it was but dragging is more popular than ever!! Thanks for your side.

[@onlyhope5155]

We love you reaper

[@socalfun64]

I quit watching years ago because it was fake to me. I grew up going to drag races and am still racing today. It’s good to see someone who is still real.

[@alanbeasley7006]

Ready for part 2!

[@brucefrye8799]

Reaper SS your my favorite on the show. Ive bet and won against my friends your car is my favorite. Hope you come to a track near me in the future.

[@dusdal]

Great stories and videos! Nice to see the real side of things and not just what they want you to see.

[@TheRebelyell666]

I love how he keeps it real!! I've noticed there's lots of jerks on here n fb,I use to argue with them I no longer lower myself down to their stupidity..don't have the time nor energy for that bs

[@russ400]

Hey reaper....im really glad u got things straight with urself...i just lost my brother to meth...he was shooting it up and hes a former soldier...he did 2 tours...he also had ptsd from drama oversees....but the combination of meth and depression dont mix.... He took a 44 and shot himself in the heart... So hearing your story and u makin something outta the darkness is awesome...im burying my brother on friday...he loved ur cars...we were always wishing we could get a twin turbo car or something with a big procharger...ive got a lightning ford truck now...anyway....ive been in ur shoes...dealt alot...ALOT of meth when i lived out in california...and did a stint in prison alot about 25 yrs ago...but u can make it out...were proof of that...anyway keep up the good work and u have my respect...and u have a fan... Have a blessed day...

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

Sorry for the loss of your brother

[@beanbean4562]

Thank u for being real,hard to find in the world today..love to shake ur hand ty

[@markmcgee4255]

U da man ! U probably don’t have the time but I love watching your vids. I hope some how u can run a show on tv and be the boss of it it would go hell far🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@dangolden5696]

Looking forward to part 2!!!

[@bitten4life78]

Reaper I have always thought you got the raw deal but that's just it the good ones always do your a real stand up guy and a true pride racer who believes in doing it right there needs to be a whole lot more of your respect and talent out there sadly it's very far and few between just glad we all got the chance to see you run

[@wessbruesch6217]

My son had good me into watching the show,, I offend wondered that a alot of thing's didn't quite seem right with the show and i was hoping you would have stired up the nest and you did , im glad they let you do what you do on the show, also I used to race on the street and strip years ago and I have a 68 camaro that I did it with , nothing like you have but it worked,, and my son and I have been working on it to get it up and on the street again, my son also is also gonna go to college to learn how to build , tune and race , so thanks for showing me what I left and making my son set some goals for his future

[@marksenterfitt2214]

One thing I can say about this guy if you don't like it he don't give a s*** if you like it he still don't give a s*** he's just telling you the facts nothing but the facts. Finally someone that's not afraid of telling the real story

[@andrewbowles923]

Love this guy,

[@ribbledean4111]

The real reaper man I love how honest that you are, some people just don’t have wide shoulders an can’t handle the truth or like to follow rules

[@jeffgates9083]

love your stories mate

[@nickgerman2070]

Tv did not do you justice, portrayed you as unlikeable which is far from the truth. Glad to hear the real truth about it keep the videos up love em

[@onementality9781]

I think Reaper has everyone’s attention from the show:) and Reaper is a stand up Guy

[@danielsmith-ze3wy]

Thanks for your side of what happened answered a lot of what already thought went down

[@anthonysmith3648]

Uncle Reaper keep your videos coming!

[@jasonnordaker3070]

From the very first episode you were on, I thought you're alright man!! You remind me of me , only more life experiences. God Bless You!!

[@seedlessgrapes2605]

Stories for days

[@DFDuck55]

From the beginning of the show my favorite driver was, and still is, Shawn Ellington. He was about the only guy on the list that never played games, he was just there to race.

[@mylesreed3780]

Good stuff bru motivation for me been doing bad losing everything since covid been wanting to give up until I started watching u

[@fkn_sent2232]

Hey reaper just keep being a stand up man and being bad ass and keep ya head up and will see ya around town man

[@donnieporter7890]

Thanks reaper hope u come to wichita ks track some time one of my good friends owns it.. thanks for opening our eyes a little about the show

[@marksummers7725]

Thanks for your side. I'm not the only one to see the mind games being played.. Race on...

[@roberthouser8794]

Reaper you are a honest good guy I thank you for being true

[@DD57DODGE]

Awesome that you read the comments

[@mirandafarmer7417]

Best story teller,I actually believe you,I also remember the reaper being carbon body with metal over it cuz Vin number didn't come with body and big hoop la over that,Who cares,if ya fast ya fast.U were fast,had some reoccurring problems with ppl playing games and the car but this is off memory years ago

[@winfordt.mcguillacutty2553]

I like a few on the list because they remind me of guys I know here. You're definitely Outlaw and you can't have Street Outlaws without the Outlaw-period. I like JJ from Memphis because he'd fit in anywhere for that very reason

[@kevinc9006]

Cool that you look at comments...your a intelligent person and I wish I could make money like you do

[@timseldat7471]

Think your a great racer had some hard breaks keep doing what you love never give up and what do you think of JJ the boss

[@joesample5458]

You rock

[@RedEyedPatriot]

Sober 5yrs and building a 82 c10 😎

[@raymondguzman1907]

well shit I'm ready for part 2

[@chevybrother6945]

If your the fastest. Why aren't you number 1

[@joshstaley7459]

Good story reaper man.

[@peggypatton9170]

I don't watch it no more I watch jj da boss stuff but a Lot guys let that show blow there head up daddy do little one of them I watch 187 customs on KZbin Shawn I felt was down to earth guy you going wright way keep on pushing stand your ground don't let no one hurt you because you know who you are finly guy to tell us the truth .God bless you your family🙏

[@bryanheath9798]

Love it! Keeping it real.

[@marcussanders1085]

You tried real hard an wanted to race fair I watch every episode an would love to meet you guys good folks👍🏼

[@brandonbergevine248]

Thank you reaper for your story's, my self has been down and put lately partly due.to some.health issues with very little help for anywhere. I am 34 have had diabetes my entire life type one and also autoimmune and Gene disorder and to.top it off I was hot by a semi truck in 2015. I do however work full time in law enforcement hard to believe as I was hell on wheels in my younger years. I own a few.hot rods supercharged mustang fox body and also a twin turbo 03 cobra. My wife is my biggest supporter. But due to recent health issues and set back the cobra is on hole. We do this all on a budget and with slot of bargain parts. Unfortunately the cobra is on jack stands as I inquired about a set of 17 weld v Series wheels and was taken for a ride paid for wheels and there was no wheels Evey sent. On a tight budget this absolutely crushed our 2020 cruising dreams and I have come down with covid-19 and an infection with my diabetes. I guess when it rains it pours. Thank you for you video they give me a great laugh when paid up in bed. I hope to be back to work soon and hopefully someday nee.can meet you. Keep up your great work and your wife is a wonderful lady please send her my love B.B

[@JC-fm9ps]

Much respect Reaper, cool videos💯✌

[@patrickmckeever2378]

One good way to fix all this is to build the fastest car and go around the circle of Tracks following the others without an TV show or camera and do what you do! My Grandpa Said there's 2 ways of getting Respect... Earned.... Or Taken! Either will do it's just easier when they give you Respect without any problems... But since this game is played on neutral playgrounds you just need to work the circle like the Others do! Shaun was all over Alabama, Tennessee and elsewhere along with others! Southern folks got made Respect for the boost of our favorite sport it don't matter the 405 helped spark the fires but support for what you guys started is very appreciated here by fans! It would do you Good to travel tracks when you can especially in the deep South! The fans that watch the show are at the track also! Do you homework and show up to make a Statement the fans will see and if you have to change ADDRESS! You can fight the beast you created you know lol... Hell there's enough talent in the 405 to start your own team lol... Focus you a Strategy to make your point and Bust a Move!

[@jeremybrooks2183]

Reaper , you are still my favorite driver and car , you dont hav to prove shit to nobody, you are real , that makes you above the rest , them guys are a lot of show , shit gets different when they aren't infront of a camera , just run your program we all that are watching love them race cars , you are right about them guys just breaking the 5.0s , they all claimed the fastest street cars in the world but it was a show and was cool for sure , shit came around after a couple years when they were posting actual times and they wasnt as fast as expected, still cool no matter what , your shit flys and that's all I care about , thank you for being real

[@seedlessgrapes2605]

Looking good with the Shaved head

[@justinhowse7590]

Can we get a video of where too start if we wanted to try our local drag strip

[@chriskidder1401]

Who specifically do you have problems with....i have met Shawn and Dave and where great people to me.....kind of caught them at a bad time and they both were very down to earth and personable and both times it could have meant they end up outside their shop the entire afternoon just from getting out their vehicles for pics with me

[@vitobarbagallo4354]

Awesome, just say it how it is, self respect, your always portrayed to be the Ass, but clearly your just a strait up outstanding guy 👍

[@kylekingma6645]

I love reaper!!!!!!

[@FerdinandAkin]

Mr. Goad, you hit upon it in another video. Street Outlaws is a television show whose purpose is to sell advertisement. It was never about conducting racing to determine who had the best car and team. The producers only care about that bottom line where the show makes money. The participants are just an expendable commodity to advance the show.

[@codymiller4062]

This is why REAPER has always been my favorite racer on the show or off the show everyone is afraid of REAPER hes fast and why wouldn't a real street racer wanna race him to be the fastest you have to beat the fastest I would wanna race REAPER win lose or draw at least afterwards I know where I'm at with my car that's why Oklahoma blows

[@joestauter7566]

You are real very good person much respect

[@pave8443]

Great

[@johno2277]

You're a stand up guy. Discovery must know that you help the show. Maybe a boost to your contract is worth asking for.

[@rppr8913]

They did you wrong. Thats why i quit watching

[@andydeitrick1455]

Yea I watch the Memphis show but the rest of the brand nope I’m out...I wanna see ole reaper visit Memphis 👌👌

[@GFPRACING]

Keep Up The Good Work My Friend ! ! ! . . .

[@jamessammann9183]

Reaper..you are my fav ..fuck the 405 u can do your own show..

[@krazziee2000]

great video. thanks

[@stingertimezfg227]

Good for you brother and your street car is as street as there daily drivers

[@georgef1176]

Hey reaper, on the joe Gibbs Silverado they came with a carbon fiber engine cover, if yours is missing there is a guy selling one on eBay right now. Just type joe Gibbs engine cover on eBay.

[@c.j.diesel774]

I haven’t watched since you left man, just not the same without somebody with balls 😂