Way back in 2016 we decided to create Ponies In The Smokies as a Mustang event with a focus on actually driving our cars. We love the mountain roads, and wanted to share that with everyone. As we continue to expand on our #PITS driving experience, which already includes Autocross, Shine Run, Drag Racing and a Dyno, a light bulb went off. What if we did a competition with a selected group of cars to see who has the ultimate ride?? We present to you, the King Of The Smokies competition. Selected participants will compete in the following segments during the week of PITS- Shine Run, Autocross, Shotgun Alley, Drag Racing, Car Show and Dyno shootout!! At the conclusion of the competition on Saturday, we will crown the first King of the Smokies during the awards ceremony.
We apologize for the late announcement this year, but I promise we are constantly working to bring everyone the absolute best #PITS experience possible. A detailed rules list will be posted shortly
Interested parties need to email us their mustang/SVT/fox chassis/special interest truck (anything that fits our car show criteria) to poniesinthesmokies@yahoo.com. Please put KOTSmokies in the subject line.
Cost is $300 dollars per participant, which will include all events. If you are already registered, we can refund you once you complete the KOTS registration.
About Our Sponsor Pro Tree Motorsports:
Can you imagine a company that was founded on the concept of giving back……a concept of supporting grass roots racing? Well, that’s Pro-Tree Motorsports. We are a VERY small company (Ok its just my wife and I), that became authorized dealers for VP Racing Fuels. Last year we poured every penny PTM made back into the industry we love. Drag Racing. We sponsored multiple races, and even one complete series. We plan to do the same this year, and we are kicking it off by sponsoring the #PITS King of the Smokies event. Talk about the ultimate challenge of driver and machine…….
During #PITS 2024, we will be setup at Knoxville Dragway for the drag racing event, and at the SCC for the car show/cruise in portion of Ponies in the Smokies. We will have a full inventory of VP Racing Fuels shirts, hats, hoodies, jugs and other goodies, along with a wide variety of their fuels. VP110, x85, c16, MS109 and more. If you need something specific just let us know and we will gladly make sure you are taken care of. We are also bringing along our new PTM branded apparel, come on by the trailer and check it out!!!
Thank you to all the participants and spectators who plan on being in Sevierville in March. We will see yall in the mountains, and we appreciate this opportunity!!
Travis and Mallory
Official KING OF THE SMOKIES 2024 contest rules:6 PITS Disciplines – Shine Run – Autocross – Shotgun Alley – Drag Racing – Dyno – Car Show
All segments will be awarded points on a 1-10 scale. Winning a segment will net 1 point. 2nd place 2 points, 3rd place 3 points and so on. Participant with the LOWEST total score at the completion of the contest will be crowned the winner.
1st place receives a KOTSmokies jug and $1000
2nd place receives a First Runner-Up Award
3rd place receives a Second Runner-Up Award
1. Drivers must be a minimum of 18 years old, with a valid driver’s license
2. Vehicle must have valid, registration and insurance
3. Vehicle CANNOT be trailered or towed during KOTSmokies events. Use of a trailer/tow will automatically give you 10 points for the segment it happens.
4. Vehicle must compete on the same four tires for entirety of KOTSmokies event. Tires must be DOT compliant. Swapping out a flat or damaged tire is obviously OK, however swapping to drag radials for drag day, and then road race tires for AX is not allowed. Air pressure changes OK.
5. Vehicle must complete all events. Shine Run, Autocross, Shotgun Alley, Drag Racing, Dyno Challenge and Car Show.
6. Vehicle must have a complete, factory appearing interior. Rear seat delete is OK.
Must have carpet, 2 front seats, door panels and GLASS windows. No lexan
Must have all factory safety items in place (lights, blinkers, windshield wipers)
No gutted race cars. Safety improvements are allowed (roll cage, harnesses etc.)
7. Vehicle and driver must remain the same for all events
Schedule (specific times TBA)
TUESDAY
Tech for KOTSmokies takes place at Smokies Stadium on Tuesday morning.
Shine Run- A photo of your KOTSmokies competition vehicle must be taken at each shine run stop, and then posted to the #PITS discission page with the tags #pits and #kots. You need a minimum of 5 cards to complete your hand, one stop MUST be the tail of the dragon (TOD is a 2 card stop). A picture of your car in front of the dragon statue at Killboys store will be your proof of completing this stop. Points will be awarded based on the total number of cards you accumulate. If you accumulate all 10 possible cards, you will receive 1 point. If you accumulate 9 cards you will receive 2 points and so on. Again, you will need a minimum of 5 cards or 4 stops to complete the Shine Run.
WEDNESDAY
Autocross and Shotgun Alley. Both of these events are held at Smokies Stadium. Autocross is how fast can you turn left and right, brake and accelerate around a closed course. Timing system will be in place. Scoring is on the 1-10 scale mentioned at the top of this page.
Shotgun Alley is a 0-60ft-0 contest. Timing equipment will be setup, and your challenge is to launch the car and then stop completely in the allotted space as quickly and efficiently as possible. Scoring is on the 1-10 scale mentioned at the top of this page
THURSDAY
Drag Race – We will head to Knoxville Dragway for some drag racing. Participants will meet up at Smokies Stadium and follow the PITS CREW who will lead the cruise to Knoxville Dragway. You can make as many runs as you like. Time slip will need to be handed to a PITS CREW member who will be on site keeping track of times. Scoring is on the 1-10 scale with the quickest ET receiving 1 point.
FRIDAY
Dyno – Peak HP and TQ added together to generate a score, highest score receives 1 point. Scoring is on the 1-10 scale.
Car Show – There will be dedicated parking at the Sevierville Convention Center for KOTSmokies participants. Cars will be judged just like the normal car show. Scoring is on the1-10 scale. Top show score will receive 1 point
SATURDAY
King of the Smokies winners announced during the awards ceremony.
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