The upcoming 2025 Snowball Derby promises an action-packed week at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, as more than 50 drivers, including renowned NASCAR drivers, gather for this prestigious short-track event. With NASCAR drivers Snowball Derby 2025 anticipation running high, fans are preparing for a fiercely contested race that highlights both established champions and emerging talent.
Top NASCAR Drivers Returning to Five Flags Speedway
This year’s Snowball Derby has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport, led by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. Busch makes his return to Five Flags Speedway after last competing there in 2020, and he will pilot the #51 Lucas Oil-sponsored car for Bryson Lopez Racing. Busch, who already owns Derby victories from 2009 and 2017, is chasing a third win at this crown-jewel event.
The field also features several full-time and former NASCAR Cup Series drivers, including Erik Jones, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece, Ty Majeski, Kaden Honeycutt, Chandler Smith, Jake Garcia, and David Gilliland. Jones, representing Legacy Motor Club in the Cup Series, seeks to add another triumph following his Derby wins in 2012 and 2013. Gragson, the 2018 winner, and Majeski, who claimed victories in both 2020 and 2023, add depth and experience to the entry list.
Past Champions and New Contenders
The 2025 lineup includes multiple former champions and defending race winners. Kaden Honeycutt, last year’s Snowball Derby champion, aims to repeat his success amid a tough field. The presence of competitors like Busch, Jones, and Gragson not only raises the event’s profile but also draws increased attention to the world of short-track racing. Their participation is set against a backdrop of seasoned late model racers and promising new faces, creating an unpredictable and exciting contest.
Race Week Schedule and Event Details
The 58th Annual Snowball Derby follows a packed schedule, kicking off with practice sessions on Thursday, December 4. Qualifying takes place on Friday, and Saturday features the Last Chance race, as well as a few provisional spots to finalize the starting lineup. The main 300-lap event will unfold on Sunday, December 7, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern Time at the half-mile Five Flags Speedway.
Anticipation for a Historic Field of Drivers
With a driver roster exceeding 50 participants and featuring both established NASCAR stars and past Derby winners, the competition is expected to be intense. Jake Garcia, Chandler Smith, Ryan Preece, and David Gilliland are some of the other notable names rounding out this impressive entry list. The combination of Cup Series talent and local specialists ensures that fans will see some of the most skilled racers in super late model competition converge at Pensacola’s renowned racetrack.
Coverage for the 2025 Snowball Derby will be available live on FloRacing, providing enthusiasts with remote access to all the excitement as it happens. The race stands out not only for its history and prestige but also for the competitive mix it brings each year, making it a must-watch event in the world of racing.
The significance of the 2025 Snowball Derby lies in its ability to bridge NASCAR’s top-level drivers and the vibrant short-track racing community. As stars like Kyle Busch, Erik Jones, Ty Majeski, and others aim for victory at Five Flags Speedway, the event shines a spotlight on both traditional talents and future legends, ensuring that this edition will be closely followed by fans across the country.
The Bryson Lopez No. 51 Kyle Busch will drive at the Snowball Derby in December pic.twitter.com/ITb3UB46eI
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) November 20, 2025
