NASCAR Drivers Who Have Mastered the Snowball Derby: Every December, some of NASCAR’s best drivers hit the short track at Five Flags Speedway, battling for glory in this high-stakes event. But what does it take to win not once, but multiple times? Ty Majeski, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, and Erik Jones have all done it, leaving fans in awe of their skills.
Key Highlights
- Ty Majeski has achieved two Snowball Derby victories, showing his skill and consistency in short-track racing.
- Erik Jones secured back-to-back wins in the Snowball Derby in 2012 and 2013 at just 16 years old.
- Kyle Busch won the Snowball Derby twice, in 2009 and 2017, demonstrating his mastery of the challenging race.
- Chase Elliott, the youngest winner in 2011, has two Snowball Derby victories, highlighting his strategic prowess.
- Multiple victories in the Snowball Derby enhance a driver’s reputation and can lead to prominent NASCAR opportunities.
NASCAR Drivers in the Snowball Derby
The Snowball Derby, a revered event in the world of short-track racing, has long been a proving ground for NASCAR drivers seeking to test their mettle outside the confines of the traditional racing calendar. Each December, the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, transforms into a crucible where both seasoned veterans and emerging talents converge for a 300-lap Super Late Model spectacle.
Established in 1968, the event has become a staple of the off-season, drawing drivers keen to maintain their competitive edge and hone their skills on the demanding short track.
NASCAR drivers are no strangers to the adrenaline-fueled challenge the Snowball Derby presents. This iconic race serves as a battleground where stock-car titans and short-track legends similarly vie for supremacy. The event’s reputation as a proving ground is well-earned—victory here demands not only speed but also precision, strategy, and resilience.
As a result, the Derby has attracted numerous NASCAR luminaries over the years, each seeking to etch their name into its storied history.
Ty Majeski’s Success at the Snowball Derby
Ty Majeski’s mastery of the Snowball Derby has become a representation of his skill on the short track, solidifying his status as one of the event’s most formidable competitors. In a race that draws the crème de la crème of short-track racing talent, Majeski has carved out a niche as a dominant force. His ability was initially highlighted in 2020 when he clinched his inaugural victory at this prestigious event. Since then, Majeski has continued to make waves, capturing another victory and consistently finishing among the top contenders.
The 30-year-old full-time Truck Series driver has not only won the Snowball Derby twice but has also exhibited remarkable consistency. With five top-10 finishes in 10 starts, Majeski’s performance emphasizes not just his ability to win, but his persistent presence at the front of the pack. This consistency reflects a deep understanding of the intricacies of short-track racing, where precision, strategy, and adaptability reign supreme.
Adding to his accolades, Majeski’s successes at the Snowball Derby parallel his achievements in the NASCAR Truck Series, where he was crowned the 2024 champion. As he continues to drive the #98 Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing in the 2025 NASCAR season, Majeski’s accomplishments at the Snowball Derby stand as a proof of his skill and tenacity.
Erik Jones’ Accomplishments at the Snowball Derby
Although still early in his racing career, Erik Jones has already made an indelible mark at the prestigious Snowball Derby. With two victorious moments in consecutive years, 2012 and 2013, Jones has exhibited an impressive mastery over the challenging half-mile paved track at Five Flags Speedway. These wins not only highlight his innate talent but also his ability to navigate the challenges of one of the most renowned late model stock car races in the United States.
Jones burst onto the Snowball Derby scene with a commanding performance in 2012, where he displayed his racing skill against a field of seasoned competitors. His victory at the age of 16 was a reflection of his prodigious skill and composure under stress. He solidified his reputation the following year by securing back-to-back wins, a feat that emphasizes his adaptability and tactical skill.
Beyond his victories, Jones has consistently proven his caliber with three top-10 finishes over six starts at the Derby. This level of performance accentuates his ability to remain competitive and excel in high-stakes environments. Such accomplishments at a young age foreshadow a promising path in motorsports, further evidenced by his success in the NASCAR Truck Series.
Kyle Busch’s Performance at the Snowball Derby
Erik Jones’ remarkable accomplishments at the Snowball Derby set a high bar for competitors, yet few have matched the skill of Kyle Busch at this iconic event. Known for his expertise across diverse forms of racing, Busch has etched his name into the annals of the Derby with two notable victories. His successes in 2009 and 2017 highlight his adaptability and sheer tenacity, hallmarks of a driver with an impressive track record in both NASCAR and late model racing.
In his five appearances at the half-mile oval in Pensacola, Florida, Busch has consistently shown his competitive edge. His track record includes an impressive four top-10 finishes, illustrating his ability to navigate the intense competition and challenging conditions that the Derby presents. The one outlier, a Did Not Finish (DNF), serves as a glaring reminder of the unpredictability inherent in motorsports, yet it does not overshadow his overall success at the event.
The 2009 victory was a confirmation of Busch’s emerging talent and relentless drive, while the 2017 win highlighted his matured skill set and tactical racing insight honed over years of experience. These accomplishments not only accentuate his talent but also reinforce his status as a formidable presence in late model racing.
As Busch prepares to tackle the 2025 NASCAR season with Richard Childress Racing, driving the #8 Chevy, his past performances at the Snowball Derby remain a benchmark of his versatility and resilience. His legacy at this prestigious event continues to inspire both seasoned racers and aspiring drivers similarly.
Chase Elliott’s Achievements at the Snowball Derby
Chase Elliott’s legacy at the Snowball Derby is marked by remarkable achievements that highlight his skill as a young and talented driver. With two victories in his eight starts, Elliott has showed a level of skill that few can match on the short track. His initial victory in 2011 was particularly notable; at just 16 years old, Elliott became the youngest driver ever to clinch the prestigious title, showcasing his precocious talent and foreshadowing a career destined for greatness.
Elliott’s 2015 win further solidified his status as a proficient driver at the Snowball Derby. This victory was not merely a repeat performance but a confirmation of his growth and evolution in the sport. His ability to navigate the complexities of the track with poise and precision emphasizes his mastery of the craft.
Elliott’s performances at the Snowball Derby are a microcosm of his broader career path, which includes a Cup Series championship in 2020, affirming his versatility and formidable driving expertise.
As Elliott prepares to return to the track behind the wheel of the #9 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports in the upcoming season, his sights are certainly set on adding another Snowball Derby trophy to his cabinet. His continued participation in this storied race not only emphasizes his passion for racing but also his relentless pursuit of excellence.
News in Brief: NASCAR Drivers Who Have Mastered the Snowball Derby
The Snowball Derby stands as a formidable test of skill and strategy, showcasing the talent of NASCAR drivers such as Ty Majeski, Erik Jones, Kyle Busch, and Chase Elliott. Each has exhibited exceptional ability and mastery in this prestigious event, earning multiple victories and solidifying their status within motorsport history.
Their achievements highlight the competitive nature of the Derby and emphasize the intricate balance of endurance and precision required to succeed at this celebrated racing spectacle.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Drivers Show Up at the Las Vegas Grand Prix for F1 Showdown
