The 9th annual Ronnie Buff Memorial featuring King of the South at Shadyside Dragway took place once again over Memorial Day Weekend in what has arguably become the biggest 28×10.5 small-tire shootout in the country.
Despite constant rain showers cancelling Saturday’s schedule, King of the South delivered an incredible two rounds of action on Sunday before Mother Nature eventually won out and pots were split between all remaining drivers in King of the South, Knight of the South (26×8.5 tires), and Lil Gangstas.
With names like Ryan Martin, Kye Kelley, Scott Taylor, Cory Reed, Todd Spiers, and reigning KOTS champion Larry Larson still among the final 16 when the rain settled in, the race was shaping up to potentially be the biggest King of the South to date.
Drag Illustrated contributing photographer Danny Stogner was on the Shadyside property all weekend long, collecting some of the unforgettable moments from a weekend that pushed everyone to their limits – from the drivers competing, to promoter Corey Stamper, to track owners Seth and Zach Buff.
This story was originally published on June 1, 2026. 
