Few names resonate in NASCAR like those of Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty, both seven-time Cup Series champions and icons of the sport. They’ve also shared an eye for spotting talent, and one driver who’s benefited from their belief is Erik Jones. Now in his eighth full Cup Series season, Jones drives the legendary No. 43 for Legacy Motor Club, a team co-owned by Johnson and previously helmed by Petty. But before the Southern 500 wins and Daytona triumphs, Jones’ big break came on a December night in Florida, where the world of stock car racing converges for one of its most celebrated events.

What was it that put Erik Jones on NASCAR’s radar? It all began at the Snowball Derby—though the name might not ring a bell for casual fans, it marked the turning point for Jones’ meteoric rise.

Snowball showdown: The battle that changed everything for Erik Jones

Before he became a household name in the NASCAR world, Erik Jones was a kid from Michigan chasing short-track victories and dreaming big. Despite his success in the local racing scene, he had yet to catch the attention of NASCAR teams. That changed in 2012, at a tiny half-mile asphalt oval called Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.

The Snowball Derby, often called the “Super Bowl of short-track racing,” brings together the best in grassroots racing, seasoned professionals, and even NASCAR stars. It’s a proving ground where future stars battle for recognition, and for Jones, it became a launchpad to the big leagues.

In a recent interview with FloRacing, Erik Jones reflected on how the Snowball Derby altered his career trajectory. “You know, probably not,” Jones said when asked if his NASCAR success would have been possible without that race. “I didn’t have any [NASCAR team interest] … A few short track wins but nothing that really put me on the map in that world. Winning that race and battling with Kyle [Busch] at the end of it … helped, a lot.”

That year’s Snowball Derby came down to a thrilling duel between Jones and NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch. Over the final laps, the 16-year-old Jones held off Busch to secure a stunning victory. Busch didn’t just take note of Jones’ composure and talent—he acted on it. “Right after that race, I started talking to Kyle about his truck program,” Jones recalled. The timing couldn’t have been better; NASCAR had just lowered the age requirement, allowing Jones to join Busch’s Craftsman Truck Series team at only 16.

Following his Snowball Derby victory, Jones’ career skyrocketed. Busch brought him into the fold at Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), where he quickly made his mark. In 2015, Erik Jones captured the Craftsman Truck Series championship at just 19, adding to his growing reputation as a rising star. His success didn’t stop there. Jones transitioned seamlessly into the Xfinity Series, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2016. His aggressive but composed driving style caught the eye of Joe Gibbs Racing, one of NASCAR’s powerhouse teams.

By 2017, Erik Jones was competing full-time in the Cup Series, claiming yet another Rookie of the Year award—the first driver to achieve the honor in all three of NASCAR’s top national divisions. His maiden Cup Series victory came at Daytona in 2018, a narrow triumph over Martin Truex Jr. in a thrilling finish. Erik Jones continued to prove himself, winning the prestigious Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway twice—once with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019 and again with Petty GMS Motorsports (now Legacy Motor Club) in 2022. That 2022 win marked a historic moment for the No. 43 car, as it was the team’s first victory in years.

From Snowball Derby to NASCAR stardom

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But Jones’ journey hasn’t been without challenges. After parting ways with Gibbs, many questioned whether he could find consistent success at smaller teams. He’s on the path to answering those doubts, embracing his role as the face of Legacy Motor Club and helping rebuild the iconic Petty brand. The LMC move came as a big savior for the driver after his fortunes changed in 2020. JGR announced their decision to end their partnership with him, and the driver went through a rough winless streak.

However, thanks to Bubba Wallace moving to 23XI Racing, Erik Jones still had a shot at making it in the Cup Series with LMC. Jones acknowledges the importance of his roots, saying, “Without the Snowball Derby, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. That race changed everything for me.”

Jones’ path from a teenager battling Kyle Busch in a short-track showdown to driving for two seven-time champions is the stuff of a racing legend. His success exemplifies the importance of grassroots events like the Snowball Derby, where young drivers can prove themselves against the best.

For ErikJones, the lessons from that pivotal night in Pensacola continue to shape his career. As Erik Jones puts it, “Maybe some opportunities would’ve come along without that win, but I don’t think the level of opportunities I’ve had would’ve ever been there without winning that race.