Eight prominent NASCAR drivers will take on the challenge at the 2025 Snowball Derby, scheduled for December 4 to 7, at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. The event, which regularly draws top talent from across the racing world, will see several NASCAR drivers aiming for victory in this renowned late model race, spotlighting the participation of top NASCAR drivers in the Snowball Derby.
An Iconic Race at 5 Flags Speedway
The Snowball Derby, run on the half-mile asphalt track of 5 Flags Speedway, is considered one of the most prestigious short-track events in the country. As drivers and teams arrive in Pensacola, excitement builds for this storied race, recognized for its history of highlighting rising stars and seasoned champions. The competition will unfold over four days, drawing regional and national attention to Florida’s racing scene.
NASCAR Cup and Truck Series Drivers in the Spotlight
Fans this year can look forward to strong participation from both NASCAR Cup and Truck Series competitors. Kyle Busch, a two-time Snowball Derby winner making his first appearance since 2020, returns with hopes of securing a third career win. Noah Gragson, victor in 2018, will also be in the field, alongside Erik Jones, who won the event in both 2012 and 2013. All three bring extensive late model experience and a reputation for success in major events.
Ryan Preece, who debuted at the Derby in 2008 and last competed in 2023 with Kevin Harvick, Inc., is racing this year under his own late model team, marking a new chapter in his Derby journey.
The NASCAR Truck Series is also well represented. Ty Majeski, Kaden Honeycutt, Jake Garcia, and Dawson Sutton have all entered the event. Majeski, with his short-track pedigree, is particularly notable for his consistent speed in late model racing. Other entrants like Honeycutt and Garcia are seen as emerging talents, hoping to use the Derby as a platform to showcase their skills against the best in the discipline.
Full Entry List Brings Depth and Variety
The 2025 Snowball Derby entry roster features a blend of established names and ambitious newcomers. Drivers to watch include Michael Atwell, Johnny Sauter, Casey Johnson, Chase Pinsonneault, Mike Hopkins, Jacob Gomes, and Bubba Pollard, each bringing experience and a competitive edge to the event.
Additional contenders such as Gavan Boschele, Kasey Kleyn, Kole Raz, Conner Jones, Matt Craig, Stephen Nasse, Jake Finch, Seth Christensen, Haeden Plybon, and Spencer Davis add further depth to the field. Perry competitors are highlighted by crossover from both the Cup and Truck ranks. The diverse field underscores the Derby’s reputation as a proving ground for future NASCAR stars and a battleground for veteran drivers.
What Makes the Snowball Derby Special
The unique draw of the NASCAR drivers in the Snowball Derby lies in the intense competition and the mix of veterans and younger drivers competing for the same prize. Erik Jones, Noah Gragson, and Kyle Busch have each tasted victory in this arena and return for another shot at the trophy, while others like Ryan Preece and Ty Majeski bring renewed determination and new team alignments.
Besides the high-profile NASCAR entrants, a bevy of regional drivers and promising young talents fill out the roster. Names such as Jake Finch, Stephen Nasse, Derek Thorn, and Bubba Pollard are expected to be key players as the event unfolds. Their participation, along with the presence of several key organizations and the energy of ambitious first-timers, ensures a thrilling contest at 5 Flags Speedway.
Looking Ahead to a Competitive Weekend
As the date draws near, attention turns to which driver will emerge victorious and potentially propel their racing careers forward. With its tradition of fierce competition and its history of launching rising talents and cementing veterans’ legacies, the Snowball Derby remains a highly anticipated stop on the racing calendar. Fans and teams alike are prepared for an action-packed weekend in Pensacola, where every lap at 5 Flags Speedway could alter the lives of its participants.
