First Look at Snowball Derby and Snowflake 100 Entry Lists
Pensacola, FL — The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us. No, we don’t mean Christmas. We mean the 49th Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL (November 30 – December 4, 2016). As one of the the greatest short track races in America draws nearer, it’s now time to take a first-look at the current entry list for this year’s event.
The Snowball Derby list boasts a strong 55+ entries with a month-and-a-half still to go until the big Super Late Model race. On the Pro Late Model side, over 40 entries have already been filed for the Allen Turner Hyundai Snowflake 100. Additional entries are hitting the Five Flags Speedway mailbox each day.
“Since Tom Dawson held the first Snowball Derby in 1968, race fans have come to see the best against the best, and this year’s lineup truly will not disappoint,” said Snowball Derby promoter, Tim Bryant. “I’m truly amazed as I go down the entry list at how many guys are capable of not only competing in the Snowball Derby, but winning the Snowball Derby.”
There are many big names on the Snowball Derby entry list, including that of Kyle Busch Motorsports driver Christopher Bell, who crossed the finish line first in 2015, but had the win taken away after a post-race tech inspection violation. The current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series “Chase” driver is back for another go at the Tom Dawson Trophy this year.
Bell’s KBM teammate and current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points leader William Byron will also be heading to the Derby.
The 2014 winner of the Snowball Derby wants to add his name for a second time to the history books. John Hunter Nemechek is on the list in his familiar No. 8 machine.
The current track record holder and three-time ARCA Midwest Tour champion Ty Majeski has filed an entry. Majeski finished third in the 2015 Snowball Derby.
Donnie Wilson claimed the Southern Super Series championship in dominating fashion this year. The Oklahoma driver is entered for another Snowball Derby, but he is still looking for his first win in the big race.
Bubba Pollard has been dominant at Five Flags Speedway this year in Super Late Model competition. He has already filed an entry for this year’s Derby as he still seeks his first Tom Dawson Trophy.
Casey Roderick took the Blizzard Series championship at Five Flags Speedway and he too is entered for the Derby in search of his first Derby win.
The West Coast has a few drivers hoping to bring the honor of winning the Snowball Derby back home with them. SRL point leader Derek Thorn, Cole Moore, and Northwest Super Late Model Series champ Garrett Evans are a few of the drivers from the left side of the United States heading to Pensacola, Florida for the Snowball Derby.
North of the border will also be represented as Canadian and current CARS Tour point leader Raphael Lessard is entered in the race out of the David Gilliland Racing stables.
Other notable drivers entered include Harrison Burton, Christian Eckes, Brandon McReynolds, Spencer Davis, Kyle Grissom, Preston Peltier, Noah Gragson, Dalton Sargeant, Grant Enfinger, Casey Smith, Jeff Choquette, Kenzie Ruston and many more.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SNOWBALL DERBY ENTRY LIST
The Allen Turner Snowflake 100 also boasts a healthy preliminary entry list with already over 40 drivers entered for the biggest Pro Late Model race in the country.
“Since Tom Dawson started the Snowball Derby in 1968, race fans have to expect to see the best against the best,” said Snowball Derby promoter Tim Bryant. “With this year’s lineup, I’m truly amazed at how many guys are truly capable of not only competing in the Snowball Derby, but winning the Snowball Derby.”
Multiple drivers are planning on doing double-duty for the Snowball Derby and Snowflake 100. The double-duty drivers include John Hunter Nemechek, Bubba Pollard, Spencer Davis, Trevor Noles, Brandon Oakley, Cole Anderson, Casey Roderick, Bret Holmes, Bobby Knox Jr., Chris Davidson, Derek Scott Jr, Chandler Smith, and Augie Grill.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SNOWFLAKE 100 ENTRY LIST
The 49th Annual Snowball Derby weekend kicks off on Wednesday, November 30 with the Cat Country/WEAR TV3 Green Flag Pit Party and Qualifying Order Draw Down.
Thursday, December 1 will see the Super Late Models take to the track for the first official Snowball Derby practice. The night will be highlighted by a 30-lap race for the Butler U-Pull-It Bombers and a 50-lap event for the Dock on the Beach Sportsmen division.
The top Snowball Derby starting spots will be set on Friday, December 2 during NASH FM 102.7 Pole Night. The Faith Chapel Super Stocks and the Modifieds will each run 50-lap features.
The Pro Late Models take center stage on Saturday, December 3 for the Allen Turner Hyundai Snowflake 100. The 50-lap Last Chance Qualifier for the Snowball Derby and a 50-lap feature for the Beef O’Brady’s Pro Truck division will also run on Saturday night.
Then on Sunday, December 4 the green flag will fly over the the 49th Annual Snowball Derby. The 300-lap race will begin at 2 p.m. CT.
For more information on the 49th Annual Snowball Derby weekend at Five Flags Speedway, visit www.snowballderby.com. All media credential requests and inquiries for the Snowball Derby can be sent to Pat Bryant at Pat@SnowballDerby.com.
Speed51.com’s “Official News Site” status allows advertisers of 51’s Snowball Derby coverage to be seen by more race fans than any other short track event. Affordable advertising rates are available now by emailing marketing@speed51.com.
Sources: 51 Sports/Snowball Derby PR