As of June 2025, there is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Mike Earll, the well-known Nebraska-based rat rod builder and IMCA stock car racer, has passed away. Mike is best recognized for his unique craftsmanship in the rat rod community, operating under the name “The Rat’s Nest,” where he built imaginative vehicles from salvaged vintage parts. His work garnered attention not only for its creativity but also for the authenticity and raw aesthetic that defines the rat rod movement.
In addition to his work as a builder, Mike Earll is known for racing a distinctive IMCA stock car styled to resemble a rat rod. He frequently competed at dirt tracks across Nebraska, including Dawson County Raceway and Lincoln County Raceway. His presence at local raceways and car shows brought together car enthusiasts who appreciated both high performance and unique artistry.
There have been online searches and social media discussions questioning Mike Earll’s current status, but none are supported by credible reports of his death. Some confusion may stem from obituaries of individuals with similar names, such as Michael Earls or Mike Earley. However, none of these individuals have documented connections to the rat rod community or to racing activities in Nebraska.
Until official sources confirm otherwise, Mike Earll appears to still be part of the hot rod and racing world. His contributions to automotive culture remain valued by fans of custom car building and traditional grassroots racing. If circumstances change or new information becomes available, it would likely be reported through regional racing news or automotive enthusiast publications.
For now, Mike Earll remains a celebrated figure in the community he helped shape through his passion, creativity, and
racing spirit.
