The King of the South small-tire invitational at Shadyside Dragway is set for its second year from May 23-25, 2025, following a successful debut in 2024. This year’s event features a 64-car field, increased prize money totaling $75,000 for the winner, and a broader lineup of support classes as part of the 8th annual Ronnie Buff Memorial. Organizers Corey Stamper, Seth Buff, and Zach Buff aim to enhance collaboration between no-prep and radial racers on a “lightly prepped” surface, following last year’s thrilling results.

The event generated the highest single-day attendance in Shadyside’s history, inspiring the team to push boundaries and engage a competitive field chosen through “Golden Tickets.” Over 250 drivers expressed interest early on, underscoring the event’s popularity. First-round losers will have a chance to compete in a second-chance race.

Additionally, the Lil’ Gangsta’s class, which runs on a 5.30 index, will be expanded to feature races on all three days due to strong participant interest. A new junior-focused class, Baby Gangsta’s, operating on a 6.30 index, aims to attract younger racers with accessible entry points. The three-day event will include testing, qualifying, and multiple elimination rounds, making it one of the year’s most anticipated drag racing competitions with expanded engagement opportunities.



Source: dragillustrated.com