Suggestion:
Add 2nd nitro mode, (as mooman suggested name 'Classic Nitro') where nitro acts like in GTA SA (best example tuning garage in SK)
You got nitro (x10) and have to decide when wanna use, also have to wait 'till you can use it again.
This might bring some intresting strategy instead of holding ctrl all race.
Of course make it as other mode, coz often there are maps or races that require nitro almost all time...