For over 50 years, the Snowball Derby has been the short-track race every stock car driver dreams of winning. Held at the legendary Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, it’s a battleground for NASCAR stars, short-track legends, and rising talents. This isn’t just another race—it’s a test of skill, endurance, and grit.

This year’s event is bigger than ever. With a record $50,000 payday and the prestigious Tom Dawson Trophy on the line, the stakes are sky-high. And let’s not forget the lineup—packed with NASCAR talent, it’s a can’t-miss showdown for racing fans.

Snowball Derby schedule and how to watch

The Snowball Derby isn’t just a one-day race—it’s an entire week of action at Five Flags Speedway. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tuesday, December 2: Snowball Derby Kickoff Party, streamed live on FloRacing.
• Wednesday, December 3: Qualifying draw to determine starting positions.
• Thursday, December 4: Practice sessions and local division racing.
• Friday, December 5: Qualifying for the Snowball Derby’s 300-lap main event.
• Saturday, December 6: Snowflake 100 Pro Late Model race—the biggest event for Pro Late Models all year.
• Sunday, December 7: The 57th Annual Snowball Derby begins.

How to Watch: For the first time, the Snowball Derby will be streamed live on FloRacing, available to all FloRacing subscribers. You can tune in via Smart TV, mobile, tablet, or computer. Non-subscribers can sign up through FloRacing’s website or app, available on Roku, FireTV, and more.

This year’s Snowball Derby is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. With NASCAR stars like Ty Majeski, Noah Gragson, and Chandler Smith going head-to-head with short-track veterans, the action is sure to deliver.

Will Gragson reclaim the crown? Can Majeski make it three Derby wins? Or will a young up-and-comer like William Sawalich steal the show?

The answers will be written on the track. Don’t miss out—this is short-track racing at its absolute best.

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Every year, the Snowball Derby draws big names, but 2024’s roster is especially stacked.

Noah Gragson, the 2018 Snowball Derby champion, is back for his eighth attempt at victory. He’s coming off two strong qualifying runs in recent years, but race-day struggles have kept him out of contention. This time, he’s determined to change that narrative. Derek Kraus, a nine-time Derby competitor, has yet to crack the top 10, but his experience could make him a sleeper pick. NASCAR veteran David Gilliland is also making a return to the Derby, looking to improve on his 2019 showing.

From the Xfinity Series, William Sawalich, a two-time ARCA East champion, enters with momentum after a top-10 Derby debut last year. For Sawalich, the Snowball Derby will be a good way to get some practice in before he kicks off his Joe Gibbs Racing move in 2025. Meanwhile, Chandler Smith, the 2021 winner, is back. Known for his consistency, Smith has never finished worse than seventh in six Derby starts. Unlike Sawalich, Smith’s battles may just begin after the derby after Derby, as he continues to look for a 2025 seat. Carson Kvapil is the final Xfinity name on the list. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s protege is carrying the same energy he brought to Martinsville when the Late Model Stock-Racing series visited the track. Kvapil took the race win at the time.

The Truck Series contingent is equally strong. Ty Majeski, a two-time Snowball Derby winner and the reigning Truck Series champion, is among the favorites. He’s dominated this race in recent years, with five podium finishes since 2015. Rookie contender Dawson Sutton will make his Derby debut after a solid fourth-place finish in last year’s Snowflake 100.

Other drivers to watch include Jake Garcia, who nearly won the Derby as a 14-year-old in 2019, and Johnny Sauter, a Truck Series champ and seasoned short-track veteran.