Kyle Busch is set to headline the much-anticipated Kyle Busch Snowball Derby 2025 as the historic race returns to Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, from December 4 through 7. This year’s event promises a showcase of top racing talent with Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, making his highly awaited comeback after five years away, enhancing both excitement and competition on the iconic short track.
Kyle Busch’s Return Sets the Stage for the 2025 Derby
For the 58th annual running of the Snowball Derby, Kyle Busch will pilot the #51 Lucas Oil-sponsored car for Bryson Lopez Racing. Having previously secured wins in both 2009 and 2017, Busch targets a rare third victory at the Derby, which would elevate him to the ranks of a select group of multi-time champions. His return underscores his ongoing prominence in the world of motorsports and intensifies the pressures on the rest of the field.
Kyle Busch’s involvement has always drawn widespread attention, but this year, with the strength of his resume and the stature of the Derby as a major event, the atmosphere promises to be especially charged among fans and fellow drivers at Five Flags Speedway.
Other Top NASCAR Talents Joining the Grid
This year’s Snowball Derby roster is stacked with notable NASCAR participants alongside Kyle Busch. Erik Jones, another standout and two-time Derby winner (2012 and 2013), will make his return. Regular Cup Series driver Noah Gragson is entered for his eighth start at the Derby, bringing with him the momentum from his 2018 victory, which he achieved driving a Super Late Model owned by Busch himself.
Ryan Preece, who has already competed in three previous Snowball Derby races—including a fourth-place finish in 2021—is also confirmed, ensuring another deep field of Cup Series experience. Adding further intrigue, the lineup extends to NASCAR’s Truck Series standouts, including 2016 series champion Johnny Sauter, 2024 champion Ty Majeski, and up-and-comers such as Dawson Sutton, Conner Jones, Derek Kraus, Bayley Currey, and Jake Garcia. Series veteran David Gilliland, owner of TRICON Garage, is also set to compete, contributing to the depth of racing expertise in the event.
Defending Champions and Notable Past Winners to Watch
Kaden Honeycutt, who claimed the title of Snowball Derby champion most recently, aims to defend his win against this competitive field. With over 45 drivers committed, including numerous current and former NASCAR competitors, the entry list highlights just how significant this event remains in short-track racing circles. The combination of defending champions, established titans, and emerging stars sets the stage for one of the most anticipated showdowns on the racing calendar.
The Broader Impact on Racing’s Traditional Crown Jewel
The Snowball Derby is widely considered one of the “crown jewels” of grassroots motorsports, acting as a bridge between aspiring drivers and established NASCAR stars. With Kyle Busch’s return, the 2025 edition holds extra significance for fans and racers alike, further boosting the stature of an event that regularly draws top-tier talent and national attention to Pensacola, Florida. This year’s race is poised not only to deliver high-intensity action but also, potentially, to produce memorable new chapters in motorsport history, shaping legacies and inspiring the next generation of competitors.
