Kye Kelley’s “Shocker” Roars Back to Life with a 903ci Pat Musi Big Block – Small Tire Beware

Kye Kelley, a name that echoes through the world of small tire street racing, is making big waves again—this time with a bold new setup under the hood of his legendary ride, Shocker. Known for its flamethrowing launches and crowd-pleasing runs, Shocker just entered a new chapter that might change the small tire game altogether.

After sitting dormant for years, a monstrous 903 cubic inch Pat Musi-built big block engine has found its new home in Shocker—and it’s already proving to be a force to reckon with.

Photo by Kye Kelley Racing

No Testing? No Problem

Here’s the kicker: this new setup hadn’t seen a single test pass before its debut at a high-stakes small tire event in North Florida. That’s right—Kye and his team went all-in at a $20,000 no-entry-fee shootout with a fresh, untested combination. And somehow, they took it all the way to the finals.

Despite battling rusted rings, weak valve springs, and four years of dormancy, the Shocker didn’t just survive—it thrived. From the very first hit, the car showed signs of serious potential, going head-to-head with some of the biggest names in the game, including none other than Ryan Martin in the finals.

That opening pass? More of a shakedown than a full-send. But with each round, the car got quicker and more dialed-in. That speaks volumes about not only the raw power of the 903ci Musi motor, but also the skill and adaptability of Kye’s team.

Photo by Kye Kelley Racing

Raw Power Meets Real Experience

Throwing a giant like a 903ci into a small tire car isn’t for the faint of heart. These motors are built to eat, and they require careful tuning to make the power usable on a tricky track surface. With the help of crew members Jeff and Craig, the team dialed in the fuel map and managed suspension tweaks mid-event to get the most out of every pass.

That attention to detail is what helped Shocker hang with the best of them—despite carrying up to 2,000 lbs of nitrous in reserve that wasn’t even fully tapped into. In other words: they’ve only just scratched the surface of what this car can do.

Wheelies, Bullhorns, and Old School Vibes

Of course, big torque brings big challenges. In the finals, Shocker launched hard—maybe too hard—and pulled a wheelie that likely cost Kye the win. But honestly? That’s part of what fans love about him. He’s not afraid to push the limits.

Photo by Kye Kelley Racing

Adding to the car’s throwback feel is the return of bullhorn headers—those massive side pipes that spit fire and scream attitude. They might reduce downforce compared to zoomies, but they look incredible and give the car a raw, street outlaw vibe that fans can’t get enough of. Instead of switching back, Kye is sticking with the bullhorns and focusing on dialing in the suspension geometry to make it work.

That’s the kind of commitment that shows this isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about building something unique.

More Than Just a Comeback

Kye’s weekend in North Florida wasn’t just about making a statement—it was about launching a full-blown comeback. With a fired-up team—including familiar faces like Sunshine and the always-entertaining Puddin’—the energy was real, both on and off the track. Whether it was last-minute fuel adjustments or lighthearted pit-side banter, the chemistry and grit of the Shocker crew was on full display.

And this is only the beginning. Kye has his sights set on a packed 2025 race calendar, with plans to hit major events like the Indy 800 and Freedom 500 alongside Cletus McFarland. He’s even flirting with the idea of entering his other car, Claw, into a burnout competition—despite the obvious challenge of manhandling a drag car in a burnout pit.

But that’s just Kye. He sees a challenge, and he runs straight at it.

Shocker Is Back—and It’s Just Getting Warmed Up

What we’re witnessing isn’t just a fast car—it’s a rebirth. A fresh motor. A battle-hardened team. A renewed hunger to dominate.

Shocker is back, and it’s looking stronger than ever. If the North Florida performance is anything to go by, this new setup might just be one of the baddest small tire combinations in the country. With more testing, more tuning, and more seat time, the sky’s the limit.

So buckle up—because 2025 might just be the year of the Shocker.