The use of nitrous oxide as a performance enhancement has been used since World War II. Allied aircraft used it for emergency boosts in airspeed and altitude capabilities. By the end of World War II, jet propulsion had been invented and the United States’ government was losing interest in piston-powered aircraft. For nearly thirty years, the application of nitrous oxide on vehicles would be privileged information.

During the first several years, NOS spent most of its resources demonstrating that nitrous oxide was an efficient, safe form of performance enhancement. The effort paid off, as NOS quickly became known for producing easy-to-install kits made from the highest quality material available.

The advent of drag racing's Pro Mod class provided a boost of popularity to NOS. In fact, both the first 200 mph run and the first 6-second run were aided by NOS.

NOS remains the dominant force in the nitrous market, now more than twenty years later. NOS has developed lasting relationships with leading racers and professional engine builders, which along with dedicated research and development, has created the company’s dedication to excellence.

In 2001, the summer blockbuster The Fast and the Furious displayed a subculture to which NOS belongs. It was thanks to this movie that the company name became a household word.