As the 2025 NASCAR National Series season recently concluded at Phoenix Raceway, attention now turns to the Sunshine State, where NASCAR drivers at Snowball Derby are headlining a major post-season event. The 58th annual Snowball Derby kicks off this weekend at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, drawing a roster of talent from across the top divisions of NASCAR and the ARCA Menards Series.
High-Profile NASCAR Drivers Enter the Derby
This year’s Snowball Derby entry list features several current standouts, including four full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers: Erik Jones (No. 4), Noah Gragson (No. 30 for Kasey Jones Racing), Kyle Busch (No. 51 for Bryson Lopez Racing), and Ryan Preece (No. 60). Each is set to compete for a spot in Sunday’s marquee 300-lap Super Late Model race, seeking a prestigious win in the renowned event. Their participation elevates the race’s profile and brings added attention to Pensacola and Five Flags Speedway.
Not to be overlooked, former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champions Johnny Sauter (No. 5) and Ty Majeski (No. 91) are returning to the high banks to compete alongside a talent-rich field. Active Truck Series competitors such as Kaden Honeycutt, Dawson Sutton, and Jake Garcia have also confirmed their entries, giving the event a true cross-section of current and former series drivers.
Additional Series Drivers and Noteworthy Entries
Supporting this robust lineup, Cole Butcher, Conner Jones, Derek Kraus, and Treyten Lapcevich—drivers with significant experience in part-time NASCAR National Series roles over the recent season—are also slated to tackle the Derby, adding depth and intrigue to the field.
Meanwhile, David Gilliland, co-owner of the championship-winning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team TRICON Garage, is back for another shot at the Derby crown. Piloting his self-prepared No. 98 car for the second consecutive year, Gilliland brings both leadership and driving prowess to the event.
The NASCAR and ARCA delegation continues with Spire Motorsports’ development driver Tristan McKee, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Max Reaves, Nitro Motorsports’ Gavan Boschele, Kole Raz, Jake Finch, and Carson Brown, who develops under the Richard Childress Racing umbrella. This diverse group underscores the Derby’s role as a proving ground for up-and-coming and established talent alike.
Snowflake 125 Draws More NASCAR and ARCA Competitors
The racing excitement doesn’t stop with the Snowball Derby. The same weekend at Five Flags Speedway, the Pro Late Model Snowflake 125 offers another opportunity for NASCAR-affiliated names to shine. Tristan McKee is back on track for this race, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet, and joins ARCA Menards Series drivers like Max Reaves, Isaac Kitzmiller, Jade Avedisian, and Jake Finch for a competitive field.
From the NASCAR National Series, Alex Labbe and Kaden Honeycutt are both entered to compete in the Snowflake 125, alongside previous NASCAR drivers Spencer Davis and Tony Cosentino. The entry list signifies a blend of veterans and emerging drivers hungry for success in one of late model racing’s marquee weekends.
Racing bloodlines will also be on display as Keelan Harvick, son of 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, joins the action in the Hunt Brothers Pizza No. 62 machine. His participation adds another layer of storyline to an already compelling weekend in Pensacola.
Weekend Highlights and What Lies Ahead
With the Snowball Derby and Snowflake 125 bringing together talents from every level, Five Flags Speedway is set for an electric atmosphere filled with high-stakes competition. For NASCAR drivers at Snowball Derby, the event serves as both a prestigious standalone challenge and an important capstone to the season. The performances in Pensacola may reveal rising stars and showcase seasoned talent as teams, drivers, and fans look ahead to what’s in store for next year’s racing calendar.
Tech day complete and ready for some real practice time tomorrow. Awesome having the 43 crew helping out this weekend. pic.twitter.com/PMrqS7ZH4E
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) December 4, 2025
After a last minute decision (literally this morning) we are headed to Pensacola for the Snowball Derby! We couldn’t miss this one 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/eK9L5SUaUe
— Treyten Lapcevich (@TreytenL) November 29, 2025
