JJ Da Boss: The Man, the Myth, the Mayhem Behind Memphis Street Racing

If there's one name that echoes through the backroads and burnout-filled lanes of underground drag racing, it's JJ Da Boss. Known for his thick Southern drawl, his old-school tactics, and an attitude that never backs down, JJ—real name Jonathan Day—has carved out his place as one of the most recognizable and controversial figures in the street racing world.

At Street Outlaws Talks, we don’t just follow the headlines—we follow the pavement. And no one leaves rubber on the road quite like JJ Da Boss.

Photo by Amazon.com

From Memphis Rooftops to Racing Royalty

Before the Discovery Channel cameras ever rolled, before the bright lights and national fame, JJ was just another Memphis kid with a dream and a toolbox. Born on August 10, 1973, JJ grew up in a working-class roofing family, learning early what it meant to hustle. Days were spent fixing roofs, and nights were reserved for fixing up old cars—fueled more by passion than budget.

His first true love? A 1966 Chevy II Nova powered by a 402 big block yanked from a Bob truck. It wasn’t pretty. But it was fast. That car became JJ’s ticket into the underground scene, a gritty proving ground where your rep was only as good as your last win.

When sanctioned tracks felt out of reach financially, JJ took to the streets, learning quickly how to outthink, outdrive, and—let’s be honest—out-hustle his opponents. His signature? Launching on two instead of three. It was controversial, yes, but undeniably effective.

The Crash Course of Fame

JJ’s rise to fame on Street Outlaws: Memphis and later America’s List made him a household name among fans of fast cars and faster fists. But it hasn’t been a smooth ride.

Photo by Memphis Street Racer JJdaBoss 

From devastating crashes to courtroom drama, JJ’s life has been a non-stop blend of horsepower and headlines. In 2017, a highway accident left him injured and two of his beloved cars—Old Heavy and Hifer—banged up badly after he fell asleep behind the wheel hauling them. True to form, JJ was back on his feet, and under a hood, not long after.

Then came the 2022 America’s List crash—arguably the most harrowing of JJ’s career. A failed oil line caused his car, the Hummingbird, to catch fire during a race against his wife, Tricia Day. In trying to avoid the flames, JJ veered into Tricia’s car, Zip Tie, resulting in a terrifying crash that left Tricia hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident was a brutal reminder that street racing isn't just dangerous—it’s unforgiving.

Legal Trouble and Unfiltered Controversy

JJ’s not just known for his wheel work—he’s also racked up his fair share of legal heat. From serving over 8 years in prison for still-undisclosed reasons to facing a federal lawsuit in 2018 for alleged assault during a Memphis race event, JJ has always lived on the edge of the law—and the spotlight.

In true JJ fashion, even controversy fuels his fire. A 2023 viral clip showed him racing Old Heavy at Darlington Dragway... with a man riding on the back. The stunt led to serious backlash, with the track cutting ties and the World Drag Racing Association stepping back. Risky? Absolutely. But JJ’s never been one to play it safe.

Photo by Tony Joseph

More Than a Racer

What keeps fans coming back isn’t just the speed. It’s JJ’s loyalty to his roots. In a sport where egos flare faster than nitrous, JJ stands out for his commitment to family, community, and legacy. He’s not just racing for the cameras—he’s racing for Memphis.

His wife, Tricia, is a force in her own right. Together, they’ve built a brand that’s as much about grit and love as it is about RPMs. Their bond, tested in both life and competition, has made them the undisputed power couple of the street racing world.

And off-camera? JJ’s garage stays busy. Not just with race prep, but with mentoring up-and-coming racers from the area. He’s made it his mission to keep the culture of street racing alive—raw, real, and rooted in community.

What’s Next for JJ Da Boss?

The future with Discovery Channel may be uncertain—JJ hasn’t been front and center on recent Street Outlaws seasons, and the network has remained tight-lipped about what’s next. But JJ isn’t one to sit around waiting for a production crew.

He’s out hosting independent events, updating fans on social media, and keeping the streets hot with his signature grudge races. His YouTube and Facebook pages are buzzing with car builds, behind-the-scenes content, and race promos that keep the JJ Da Boss brand alive and revving.

Final Thoughts from the Streets

At Street Outlaws Talks, we recognize that JJ Da Boss isn’t your typical reality star. He’s messy. He’s loud. And he doesn’t care about playing the game. But that’s exactly why fans love him. He represents everything that outlaw racing was built on—grit, risk, loyalty, and a refusal to ever back down.

Whether he’s organizing a race in Memphis, posting up in Old Heavy, or just being JJ in all his unfiltered glory, one thing’s for sure: the legend of JJ Da Boss isn’t slowing down. Not now. Not ever.

So if you hear that familiar rumble off in the distance, don’t blink. JJ might just be coming around the bend, doing it his way—rules be damned.