Street Outlaws’ “Dominator” Represents Drag Racing’s Every-Man

Joe “Dominator” Woods doesn’t want to be known as the underdog. Still, the hardworking, do-it-all-himself Oklahoman and his modest — by relative standards — family racing operation has made him something of a champion to the every-man during his nearly decade-long run on “Street Outlaws.”

Woods’ life has revolved around cars and racing from his earliest days. As the story often goes, it was Woods’ father and uncle who turned him on to the car hobby. 

“I grew up in the ‘70s, so I was still around when hot rods were the only thing there really was. My uncle was very heavy into hot rodding, and when you get that first ride when you’re a kid and you don’t forget it. And it’s been that ever since.”

When we first interviewed Woods in 2016, he spoke of his sizable collection of cars and automotive artifacts at his home.

Photo by Brian Hogan

“I’ve owned 24 cars at one time,” he told us. “Before you start thinking it’s because I’m rich, it’s only because they’re not finished and nowhere near it. I buy parts cars so that if I need them, I have them. I own Darts, Novas, Road Runners, and even a 1966 426 Hemi Satellite. My wife drives a 1968 Firebird, we have a 1968 El Camino and a 1956 wagon or two. I just pick them up when it’s a good deal with the intention of fixing them up and selling them. The problem is, I love cars and just can’t seem to sell them. So, my toy box is full. If I had money I would have a shop full of finished cruisers instead of a yard full of projects…but they’re mine.”

Photo by Pete Epple

Since then, he’s sold many of the cars he had to help fund the racing program. And despite his fame behind the wheel of a Mopar — one that once had a big-block Chevrolet under the hood, much to the chagrin of the Mopar faithful — he says he “loves cars in general” and has no allegiance to any particular brand. “One of my bucket-list cars that I really, really want, in a bad way, is a ’67 or 2+2 fastback Mustang. There are cars and trucks from all the brands I have a desire to own,” he says.

Among his collection is a ’56 Chevrolet sedan delivery, once a magazine-spread car, that was called “The Dominator.” When Woods found the Midwest Street Cars forum, he simply signed up with that as his username. And he says it “just stuck. I didn’t have any intention of it becoming what it became name-wise.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Photo by Brian Hogan

Woods’ affinity…