Drag Races End Weekend With Memory of Kyle Smalley

Street Racers Flood Garfield Avenue

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The Kia of Duluth Drag Races & Car Show was a success this weekend with record attendance and 300 cars entered during the two-days of car shows, according to organizers.

Around 100 drivers raced their modified street cars along a 1/8 mile section of Garfield Avenue on Saturday and Sunday.

The weather was perfect for the races, that were only slightly overcast by the somber memory of longtime racer Kyle Smalley.

Stickers and T-shirts appeared throughout the race grounds remembering Smalley.

Smalley was a major contributor to the origins of the event–the only legal street racing in the U.S.

Racer Butch Karcher wore an electric green t-shirt with the words “In Memory of Kyle Smalley” emblazoned across the chest. 

The t-shirt matched Karcher’s 1930 Model-A.

Karcher and his classic car won 5 of the 6 heats they competed in over the weekend. 

Karcher described the experience of drag racing as the ultimate adrenaline dump likening it to competitive roller coaster riding.

Race Organizer Ryan Kern said having the only legalized drag racing on a public street makes the event very popular among drivers.

The event is so popular registration for this year’s races closed after only two days.

So many people wanted to race down Garfield Avenue; more than 50 drivers had to be denied the opportunity to compete.

Kern said a major part of the success of the races is the history of safety in the event.

Kern credited Kyle Smalley with being a major force in making sure the event is safe for driver’s and spectators.