Snowball Derby 2023 Drama Unfolds: At the Snowball Derby hosted at Five Flags Speedway on December 3rd, the NASCAR vibes were strong right from the start.
However, the day’s conclusion took an unexpected turn. Ty Majeski, a regular in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, emerged victorious. Yet, Majeski’s prowess extended beyond this realm; his triumph marked his second win in the Derby after securing the ASA national late model crown earlier this season.
Aside from Majeski’s triumph, the prestigious asphalt super late model race proved relentless, with NASCAR regulars encountering adversity throughout.
The last chance qualifier wasted no time in making an impact. An early lap accordion wreck caused Truck Series regular Jake Garcia to crash out before making any significant progress. Garcia’s terse response about the incident mirrored the brevity of his race.
A pivotal moment in the LCQ later involved rising NASCAR talents. A tussle for a transfer spot led to contact between Carson Hocevar, a pending NASCAR Cup Series regular, and Sammy Smith, a NASCAR Xfinity Series competitor. This collision dashed both drivers’ hopes for Sunday’s Derby win, leaving them unable to advance due to their damaged cars.
Moving to the main event on Sunday, misfortune continued its streak. Cup Series regular Ryan Preece struggled to recover from front-end damage sustained in an early incident, ultimately retiring around lap 165.
Meanwhile, the exits of fellow Cup contenders William Byron and Erik Jones were more dramatic. Both were poised for top-10 finishes until they got entangled in the lap 282 Big One triggered by a missed shift from former Cup Series regular Noah Gragson.
Jones had a rollercoaster ride during the feature race, drawing the yellow flag on lap 278 after a contact-induced spin involving ARCA Menards Series driver Luke Fenhaus. Post-race, Fenhaus had pointed remarks for Jones.
For Jones, these late-race incidents overshadowed what had promised to be a positive day. Earlier, he had expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the event’s role in propelling his racing career when he defeated Kyle Busch in the 2012 edition.
Among the notable NASCAR names, former Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter managed to complete the race, finishing in 14th place.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Penalizes Majeski and ThorSport Racing: Impact on Truck Series Standings
Our Reader’s Queries
Who won the Snowball Derby in 2023?
The 2023 Snowball Derby was dominated by Ty Majeski, who secured his second championship title.
Who won the Snowball Derby today in Florida?
Ty Majeski has once again emerged victorious at the Snowball Derby, held at the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. This marks his second win in just four years, a feat that has eluded him in the past. Despite previous setbacks, Majeski’s perseverance and skill have paid off, securing him a well-deserved victory.
When was the first Snowball Derby?
In 1968, Dawson organized the inaugural Snowball Derby, offering a $1,000 prize to the winner. The race was scheduled for December 15th, a chilly Sunday afternoon. Despite the freezing temperatures, the event was a success. Dan Spence, the current race director at Five Flags Speedway, recalls the bitter cold of that day.
