Ronnie Buff Memorial Proves Grassroots Drag Racing Is Alive And Thriving

Big-money races at state-of-the-art facilities are always exciting, but they’ll never quite capture the same atmosphere as a grassroots drag racing event held at a small hometown track.

Shadyside Dragway, tucked away in rural North Carolina, is exactly that kind of place, a drag strip loaded with character and history. The 9th Annual Strange Engineering Ronnie Buff Memorial once again proved why it has become one of the premier grassroots drag racing events in the country.

Thanks to the addition of the King of the South race, the Ronnie Buff Memorial feels like four NHRA national events rolled into one weekend. The event delivers everything hardcore drag racing fans could want: huge names, massive payouts, packed pits, and diehard fans who show up ready to soak in every minute of the action.

Heavy hitters like Ryan Martin, Larry Larson, Scott Taylor, Kye Kelley, Bill Lutz, and Corey Reed all made the trip to Shadyside Dragway to battle for the $75,000 payday and the coveted King of the South crown.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided she wanted a win of her own and eventually cut the event short with wet weather. Still, the rain couldn’t stop racers and fans from enjoying themselves or witnessing some incredible racing whenever the track surface was ready.

Even with the weather challenges, the Ronnie Buff Memorial once again showcased why grassroots drag racing remains one of the most exciting forms of motorsports. Between the packed crowd, high-stakes racing, and family atmosphere, Shadyside Dragway delivered another unforgettable weekend.

If you weren’t able to attend and want a glimpse of what the 9th Annual Ronnie Buff Memorial was like, be sure to check out this photo gallery from Kaitlyn Ward.

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