Why Is the Snowball Derby Considered the Biggest Super Late Model Race in America?

Just because the NASCAR season is over, doesn’t mean that the drivers are idle. With the 2024 NASCAR Cup season kicking off in February, there is not much time left. So most of the drivers will be hard at work preparing for the campaign. Recently, a few NASCAR drivers plied their trade at the Snowball Derby. This super late model race is held annually at the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.

This particular race has a rich history, having been run since 1968 on the first Sunday of December. Furthermore, the race enjoys a status as the biggest super late model race in the United States of America. It is also worth mentioning that the race itself is around 300 laps, though any late cautions can extend the race. This race is so prestigious that it attracts several NASCAR stars to compete, and some have even won the iconic race.

Of the current NASCAR drivers, Kyle Busch, Erik Jones, Chase Elliott, and Noah Gragson have won it. Jones won the race in back-to-back seasons in 2012 and 2013. Wayne Niedecken Sr. has the honor of being the first-ever Snowball Derby race winner. Then in 1994, Tammy Jo Kirk became the first female driver to win, and Chase Elliott was the youngest winner when he triumphed in 2011. Finally, Rich Bickle is the most successful Snowball Derby winner, having triumphed five times in his career.

What do the NASCAR drivers think of the Snowball Derby?

Some even view this race as the Late Model equivalent of the Daytona 500. In light of the 56th anniversary, many NASCAR drivers and their fellow dirt track racers spoke about what the derby means to them. Among them were William Byron, Ryan Preece, and multi-race winner Erik Jones.

As per NASCAR.com, Jones told the media, “I came into the 2012 Snowball Derby with some limited options beyond late models, and at the time, I didn’t see an opportunity to do much more than that. Those 2012-13 races really opened my world to the NASCAR side of things and trying to get opportunities to move over there and race forward. I wouldn’t say I was the only person that has been in that situation, but it really did change the course of things and help propel my career.”

Meanwhile, Byron admitted that he loves this race because it is a way for him to give back to the sport and the fans. He revels in it because of the sheer competitiveness, that is also seen at the NASCAR Cup Series level.

According to the Hendrick Motorsports star, this race provides the perfect opportunity to challenge himself against some of the best. He also acknowledged the caliber of drivers who have gone on to win this race. The list includes the likes of Donnie Allison, Kyle Busch, Darrell Waltrip, and others.

Finally, Preece also admitted that he looks forward to the Snowball Derby, owing to its status. Since it is regarded as the biggest Super Late Model event, it is highly anticipated every year. He confessed, “There’s nothing quite like it for racers and fans. To be a part of it is really exciting, and to be behind the wheel of the No. 62 is awesome. We’ve been prepping for this for a while now, and I’m ready to chase the Snowball Trophy and hopefully bring it back to North Carolina.”

READ MORE: 56th Annual Snowball Derby Saturday Events Postponed Due To Concerning Weather Conditions

Who won the latest edition of the Snowball Derby?

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The most recent race winner is NASCAR Truck Series driver Ty Majeski. The 29-year-old is in his second full-time season in the Truck series. He currently has three wins, with two of them coming in 2022 for ThorSport Racing. Majeski even triumphed earlier this year at the Indianapolis Raceway Park and finished the season in 8th place. However, his best career finish in the Truck arena is when he was 4th in the standings last year.

It is also worth noting that Majeski competed in the Xfinity Series for two years and had a best finish of 7th. Coming to Majeski’s Snowball Derby, he almost saw that win slip through his fingers. He had won in 2020 and looked on course to win again before he was overtaken twice. First, it was Stephen Nasse, who surged ahead after a multi-lap battle for the race lead. Later on, Bubba Pollard snuck past to relegate Majeski to 2nd place.

From there, it became a massive dogfight between Nasse and Pollard for the race win. Finally, with six laps to go, fortune smiled on Ty Majeski at last. This was because the two race leaders crashed out at Turn 1, and Majeski did not turn down an open invitation.

After his win, an elated Majeski said, “I had the best car on the long run all night; I just fought short-run speed. I let them get away a little bit. I got the lead on that restart with about 200 to go. I was able to hold Stephen off for a little bit, then he got by me. I was able to keep that gap close. On previous runs, I could drop back to fourth and work my way up and just get to his bumper and I was able to keep that gap closed up. We had him right where we wanted him. It looked like the race was going to go green with about 30 to go, and I was teeing him up. I was within a couple car lengths of him, and then of course the caution comes out.”

When he crossed the finish line for the second time in his Snowball Derby career, he became one of 12 repeat winners. The other repeat winners are Wayne Niedecken Sr, Dickie Davis, Freddy Fryar, Gary Balough, Rich Bickle and Bobby Gill. Others were Gary St. Amant, Augie Grill, Kyle Busch, Erik Jones and Chase Elliott.

WATCH THIS STORY: Noah Gragson Breaks Silence on NASCAR Suspension Amidst Snowball Derby Showing