OPINION • KOTS 2025
Above: In addition to King of the South, the event featured Lil’ Gangstas, Baby Gangstas, Pro, Super Pro classes. Right: Shadyside’ s pits were filled to capacity with racers throughout the weekend.
and they’ ve maintained that same atmosphere through 2025.
“ I feel like that is something that is special here,” says Seth.“ I’ ve been telling people they’ ll never understand how grateful we really are. I go to promoter meetings and talk to different tracks, and they say,‘ Well, you know how people are.’ And I kind of don’ t. Our fans and drivers are so supportive.
“ The family aspect … there’ s a lot of people here that watched us grow up, which is crazy to hear,” Seth continues.“ I meet these people, shake their hand, look them in the eye, and thank them. We’ re a fourth generation, and we both have kids, so that’ s a fifth generation running through here. I don’ t know the words to express how much it means to us. I think it’ s something that has to grow organically. You have to love it, and you have to love these people.”
Loving the fans isn’ t just lip-service, either. Zach spent much of the weekend shuttling spectators in and out of the track on a golf cart in an effort to help fans not have to walk so far. During the rides, he would tell them the history of the track and his family, allowing for an intimate experience you’ d never see from a track owner at a larger facility – or perhaps anywhere.
“ The support’ s been overwhelming,” says Zach.“ Everybody is having a great time. A ton of people that came knew our grandpa, or came here when he was still alive and running the place. That was wholesome to see and hear, and meant a lot to me. It’ s really humbling to have this many people here that just love racing and want to support us.”
By Saturday afternoon, the track announced they were at capacity. The fire marshal wouldn’ t allow anyone else on the property. They had previously announced they could no longer allow any more racers on the property either, as every available spot was full – evidenced by the aforementioned driveway and yard.
Despite the huge crowd, I was impressed with the entire track staff in maintaining a good environment. Were there some overflowing trash cans? Sure, it’ d be impossible for there not to be. But the restrooms( at least the men’ s) were nice every time I used them, and there was always soap
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