Kyle Busch has officially confirmed his participation in this year’s 58th Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway, making his much-anticipated Kyle Busch Snowball Derby entry. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion aims to secure a third win in this renowned Super Late Model event, scheduled every December in Pensacola, Florida.
Busch, who previously claimed victories at the Snowball Derby in 2009 and the 50th edition in 2017, last raced in this competition in 2020, finishing seventh when the checkered flag fell for Ty Majeski. With five starts at Five Flags Speedway under his belt and a record of consistent high finishes, Busch’s entry adds significant depth to an already formidable field of competitors.
Historic Achievements and Past Performances
Capturing a third Snowball Derby victory would make Busch just the second driver to achieve that milestone, following Rich Bickle, Jr., who currently tops the record book with five wins in the event’s history. Busch is part of an elite group of only eleven drivers to win the race twice, cementing his legacy at this half-mile Florida oval.
In his 2009 triumph, Busch led for 91 laps and overtook Eddie Mercer with just 25 laps remaining, demonstrating his skill in high-pressure moments. His 2017 win was equally dramatic, as Busch reeled in Jeff Choquette and Bubba Pollard, ultimately seizing the lead with only 17 laps left. These feats have made Busch a standout competitor and raised anticipation for his performance this December.
Competitive Field and Notable Entrants
This year’s entry list features over 50 cars, including familiar names from the NASCAR Cup Series ecosystem. Fellow Cup Series competitors Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson have all entered the event. Erik Jones, a two-time Snowball Derby winner with back-to-back victories in 2012 and 2013, stands alongside Busch as a favorite to watch. Noah Gragson, who won in 2018 piloting a car for Kyle Busch Motorsports, adds another layer of intrigue.
Other previous winners taking part include 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ty Majeski, last year’s winner Kaden Honeycutt, and 2022 champion Derek Thorn. This deep roster, which also features grassroots stars and NASCAR hopefuls, highlights the event’s reputation as a proving ground for top racing talent.
Event Details and Anticipation
The 58th Annual Snowball Derby will unfold from December 4th to 7th at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. With experienced figures like Busch, Rich Bickle, Jr., and this year’s emerging challengers, the stakes are poised to be higher than ever for the coveted Tom Dawson Trophy. Fans and competitors alike are eager to see whether Busch will join the exclusive ranks of three-time Snowball Derby winners, further shaping his storied motorsports legacy amid fierce competition from both seasoned pros and rising stars.
