This December, the celebrated NASCAR driver Kyle Busch embarks on his latest Kyle Busch Snowball Derby quest at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, aiming to capture his third career win in this storied event. The race holds special significance for Busch, who views it as a milestone in the world of stock car racing and a crucial opportunity to prove himself after a challenging couple of years on the track.
Busch Targets Third Victory in Prestigious Pensacola Race
A veteran of the NASCAR scene, Busch has already tasted victory at the Snowball Derby twice, first in 2009 and again in 2017 — both separated by an eight-year gap. As he returns in 2024, the anticipation is high: Can Busch secure a third win and repeat the eight-year cycle?
This year, Busch has a solid team behind him, with Danny Stockman joining as crew chief for the No. 51 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, operated by Byrson Lopez Racing. Stockman recently led Jesse Love and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) to an Xfinity Series championship, adding a layer of expertise and momentum to the effort.
Throughout his career, Busch has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to competition, entering races with the expectation of winning. The Snowball Derby remains an elusive goal for many, but Busch’s passion for the event has never waned.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Pensacola, but I haven’t forgotten how to get around Five Flags,”
Busch said via FloRacing. — Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
“The Snowball Derby is one of those bucket list races you always want to win again and again, and I’m fired up to be back with the No. 51 Lucas Oil team and FloRacing. We’re showing up to take that trophy home.”
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Recent Performance and New Team Dynamics
Busch has experienced mixed results in recent NASCAR seasons, with flashes of success in his sprint car ventures but less impressive stock car results by his own high standards. Despite these struggles, optimism surrounds this Snowball Derby attempt. The combination of Busch’s driving talent and Stockman’s championship-caliber guidance makes their team a strong contender in Pensacola.
A victory at the Derby could offer Busch a vital boost in confidence, possibly serving as a turning point as he prepares for the 2026 Cup Series season. The momentum gained from a successful showing could be exactly what Busch needs to regain his championship-winning form.
More Racing Beyond NASCAR and Family Involvement
As his son Brexton Busch gets older and begins carving out his own racing path, Busch has increased his appearances outside of traditional NASCAR events. This move brings excitement to race fans and the Rowdy Nation community, as the father-son duo compete together in dirt races, adding another dimension to Busch’s racing legacy.
Busch’s participation in late model racing, especially the high-profile Snowball Derby, is viewed positively by the stock car community. It reconnects a top-level driver with grassroots racing and injects fresh energy into both his personal racing trajectory and the event itself.
Team Changes and Crew Chief Transition
Looking ahead, major changes at Richard Childress Racing have placed Jim Pohlman in the role of crew chief for Busch in the upcoming Cup Series season. Pohlman arrives from JR Motorsports with a track record of collaboration with Justin Allgaier and selected RCR Cup Series races. This sets the stage for a new dynamic as Busch looks to rebound in the NASCAR ranks.
If Pohlman and Busch can find their way back to victory lane in 2026, it would represent a significant turnaround for the team, with Pohlman becoming a candidate for crew chief of the year. The path forward is filled with challenges, but the Snowball Derby could be the spark that reenergizes the entire operation.
With the championship pedigree of Danny Stockman, the support of Byrson Lopez Racing, and the ever-persistent spirit that has characterized Kyle Busch’s career, all eyes are on Pensacola as he begins his latest Snowball Derby quest. The outcome of this race could have far-reaching effects, potentially shaping Busch’s confidence and his prospects in future NASCAR campaigns.
