For over five decades, the Snowball Derby has been the crown jewel of short-track racing, a race every stock car driver aspires to conquer. Hosted at the iconic Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, it brings together NASCAR stars, short-track legends, and rising talents in a true test of skill, endurance, and determination.
This year’s event promises to be the most thrilling yet. With a record-breaking $50,000 prize and the coveted Tom Dawson Trophy up for grabs, the competition is fierce. The lineup is packed with NASCAR talent, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown that racing fans won’t want to miss.
Event Schedule:
Tuesday, December 2: Snowball Derby Kickoff Party, streamed live on FloRacing.
Wednesday, December 3: Qualifying draw to determine the starting grid.
Thursday, December 4: Practice sessions and local division races.
Friday, December 5: Qualifying for the 300-lap Snowball Derby main event.
Saturday, December 6: Snowflake 100 Pro Late Model race, the premier event for Pro Late Models.
Sunday, December 7: The 57th Annual Snowball Derby.
How to Watch:
For the first time, the Snowball Derby will be streamed live on FloRacing. Subscribers can watch on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, or computers. New users can subscribe via the FloRacing website or app, available on platforms like Roku and FireTV.
This year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history, with a roster that includes NASCAR stars like Ty Majeski, Noah Gragson, and Chandler Smith, alongside short-track veterans ready to give it their all.
NASCAR Drivers to Watch:
Noah Gragson: The 2018 champion returns for his eighth attempt at Snowball Derby glory. While he’s had strong qualifying performances recently, race-day challenges have held him back. This year, Gragson is focused on rewriting that story.
Derek Kraus: A seasoned Derby competitor with nine appearances, Kraus has yet to break into the top 10 but could surprise as a dark horse contender.
David Gilliland: The NASCAR veteran is back after competing in 2019, aiming to improve on his previous performance.
William Sawalich: A two-time ARCA East champion, Sawalich enters with momentum after a top-10 debut last year. With his move to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025, this race offers valuable preparation.
Chandler Smith: The 2021 Snowball Derby winner is known for his consistency, never finishing lower than seventh in his six starts. As he searches for a 2025 ride, Smith is determined to make a statement.
Carson Kvapil: Under the mentorship of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kvapil brings the same intensity that earned him a win at Martinsville in the Late Model Stock Racing series.
Ty Majeski: A two-time Derby champion and reigning Truck Series titleholder, Majeski is a top favorite with five podium finishes since 2015.
Dawson Sutton: Making his Derby debut, the rookie impressed with a fourth-place finish in last year’s Snowflake 100.
Other notable entrants include Jake Garcia, who came close to victory as a 14-year-old in 2019, and Johnny Sauter, a former Truck Series champion and short-track racing veteran.
The 57th Annual Snowball Derby promises high-stakes action, as the best in the sport compete for glory on one of racing’s most celebrated stages.
