No Prep Kings: Orlando Stop Recap
Times, crashes, and major comebacks from Florida’s biggest no-prep event.
The 2025 No Prep Kings season—rebranded as Speed Promotions Racing—delivered one of its most intense and emotional events at the Orlando stop before the series was abruptly canceled. The Florida round, held at Orlando Speed World Dragway, was packed with record passes, dramatic crashes, and unforgettable comebacks, making it a standout moment in what would become the final chapter of the series.
Top Performers and Blistering Times
Before the cancellation announcement, the Orlando event showcased some of the fastest no-prep passes of the season. Notable highlights included:
- Ryan Martin clocking a 3.89-second pass at 202 mph, one of the quickest of the weekend, solidifying his dominance in the Invitational class.
- Kye Kelley rebounding from early-season struggles with a strong semifinal finish, showing signs of a late-season surge.
Crashes and Carnage
No-prep racing is known for its unpredictability, and Orlando delivered on that front:
- “Murder Nova” Shawn Ellington suffered a wild sideways slide in the second round, narrowly avoiding the wall after losing traction mid-track.
- Chuck Seitsinger experienced a hard hit into the wall during testing, forcing him to withdraw from eliminations. Thankfully, he walked away uninjured, but his car sustained significant damage.
- Newcomer Tyler Crossnoe had a scary moment when his car lifted the front end and came down hard, damaging the suspension. His team scrambled to make repairs but couldn’t return in time for the next round.
Comebacks and Breakout Moments
The Orlando stop also featured some inspiring performances:
- Paige Coughlin, driving her ’92 Camaro “Golden Child,” made it to the quarterfinals in the Futures class, continuing her impressive rise in the no-prep ranks. Her performance in Orlando capped off a season that saw her break into the Top 10 and earn a playoff berth in Texas.
“This Camaro has taught me so much about driving and it will always have a special place in my heart.”
— Paige Coughlin via Drag Illustrated
- Brandon James, the 2021 NPK champion, returned to form with a runner-up finish, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
The End of an Era
Shortly after the Orlando event, Speed Promotions & Racing announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2025 season, including the final two races at US 131 and Maple Grove. The news sent shockwaves through the community, marking the end of a groundbreaking era in televised no-prep racing.
Despite the abrupt ending, the Orlando stop served as a fitting tribute to the spirit of the series—raw, unpredictable, and full of heart. Drivers like Paige Coughlin and Justin Swanstrom have vowed to continue racing, carrying the torch into whatever comes next.