Take a look at this, Can Nitrous Compete on Small Tire No Prep in 2025? Kye Kelley’s Outlaw Armageddon Battle Explained!
The 2025 small-tire no prep season is heating up, and few racers are pushing the limits of nitrous power quite like Kye Kelley. At Outlaw Armageddon 10 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kelley’s team made a last-minute decision to test their nitrous-powered setup against the toughest small-tire competition in the country. What followed was a weekend packed with intense racing, quick fixes, and questions about whether nitrous still has what it takes to compete in today’s ultra-competitive no prep world.
The Setup: Making Nitrous Work on a No Prep Surface
Nitrous has long been one of the most iconic power adders in drag racing. But in the world of no prep racing, where traction is minimal and conditions are unpredictable, it can be one of the hardest to manage. Kye Kelley’s crew came prepared, making major changes to their nitrous combination before heading to Tulsa.
Despite the last-minute preparation, the team knew the challenge ahead — turbo and blower cars have dominated the small-tire scene recently. But Kelley, always one to fight uphill battles, wanted to prove that a well-tuned nitrous setup can still compete with the best.
Round One: Spinning Tires and Quick Fixes
In the opening round, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned. The car spun mid-track, losing precious traction, and a deflated tire on the top end added more trouble. Despite the setback, the crew worked with lightning speed — faster than a NASCAR pit stop — to swap tires and get ready for the next round.
These early issues showed the raw unpredictability of nitrous cars in no prep conditions, where even the smallest change in surface temperature or tire pressure can make or break a pass.
Round Two: A Solid Pass with a Small Mistake
Luck was on Kelley’s side in Round Two as the team got a “buy” and moved forward automatically. Still, they made a strong pass down the track to gather data and test traction. Unfortunately, the run ended with a small mishap when the car clipped a cone, leaving behind some “Frankenstein” damage.
Even so, spirits were high — the nitrous system performed well, and the team was beginning to dial in their combination for the night ahead.
Round Three: Waiting on Ryan Martin
As the third round approached, Kelley’s crew prepared for a matchup with Ryan Martin, one of the toughest competitors in no prep history. But word quickly spread that Ryan’s car might be down with mechanical issues, potentially giving Kye a shot at advancing uncontested.
Between rounds, the pit area buzzed with excitement. Racers compared notes, adjusted tune-ups, and watched as night fell over the Tulsa track — a perfect backdrop for small-tire chaos.
The Big Question: Can Nitrous Still Compete in 2025?
Outlaw Armageddon 10 wasn’t just another race — it was a statement. In an era where turbocharged and screw-blown setups dominate the headlines, Kye Kelley’s effort to make nitrous competitive again reminded fans why this old-school power adder still commands respect.
Nitrous may not have the boost curve of a blower or the consistency of a turbo, but it brings something those setups can’t — instant throttle response, lighter weight, and that unmistakable hit when the system activates.
As 2025 unfolds, small-tire racers across the nation are rethinking their setups. With fine-tuned suspension, precise fuel control, and modern progressive nitrous systems, Kelley might just prove that spray isn’t dead — it just needed a little innovation.
Final Thoughts
The weekend at Outlaw Armageddon showed both the strengths and struggles of nitrous power in small-tire no prep. From flat tires to fiery passes, Kye Kelley’s determination stood out as a reminder that racing isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about persistence, passion, and pride.
Whether nitrous can truly dominate again remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure — the fight is far from over.
