Ryan Preece is set to compete in the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway from December 4 to 7, channeling his enduring connection to grassroots racing. The Ryan Preece NASCAR Snowball Derby entry captures his desire to remain connected to his roots, even after securing a spot in NASCAR’s premier series.
The Irresistible Pull of the Derby
Preece began his racing career in modifieds, a path taken partly to ease the financial pressure on his family while pursuing motorsports. Despite his ascent into the highest ranks of stock car racing, he continues to see himself as a modified racer at heart. His decision to contest the Snowball Derby seems natural, given his longstanding passion for competitive racing and the persistent desire to test himself against elite short-track fields.
Preece’s first visit to the Derby dates back to 2008, when he was unaware of its prestige far beyond Pensacola. He returned in 2021, having reconnected with Chris Gabehart, a respected figure in Super Late Model racing, and finished fourth—an achievement that reignited his competitive spirit. The event’s unique demands and reputation have since drawn him back repeatedly, cementing his personal investment in the Derby.
Balancing NASCAR Ambitions and Short-Track Passion
In the lull that follows racing events like the Turkey Derby, Preece misses the rhythm and challenge of his New England racing roots. His intrinsic need to work on race cars and chase performance remains strong, a point he openly acknowledges.
“I just, I love racing. Like, if I don’t have something in my garage that I’m building, I tried playing golf, man. I’m not good at it. I like building race cars.” — Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
This affection for hands-on craftsmanship goes beyond driving alone. Preece embraces not only the on-track efforts but also the behind-the-scenes puzzle of car setup and engineering.
“I enjoy the thought process, like that mental exercise of what can I do to make it go faster, not just being a race car driver and doing the things that you need to do out on the track, but also from the setup side,” — Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
Drawing on Experience and Teamwork
Preece brings three prior Snowball Derby starts to his résumé, with his most recent attempt occurring in 2023. He has described the experience as a personal project that reignited his competitive drive. Unlike some drivers who prefer to unwind with leisure activities like golf, for Preece, racing remains both an escape and a vocation. Over past seasons, he has worked with Chris Gabehart, calling on Gabehart’s expertise to develop his approach to Super Late Model racing—learning lessons that continue to inform his hands-on involvement.
Taking Control for the Next Challenge
Looking ahead to this year’s Derby, Preece plans to surround himself with trusted friends and familiar partners, taking a more self-directed approach compared to previous campaigns. Intent on tuning the car to his own preferences and making strategic calls from within his team, he aims to mold the effort into a genuine reflection of his vision and style.
Though he understands the unpredictable nature of the Snowball Derby, where fortunes can swiftly change, Preece’s determination stands undiminished. His story showcases the intense personal commitment and technical curiosity that define both his NASCAR and short-track pursuits.
Why the Snowball Derby Matters to Preece and Short-Track Racing
The Snowball Derby, regarded as a crown jewel in short-track racing, draws seasoned professionals and emerging talents alike. For Preece, participating is about more than victories or accolades—it’s a way of honoring the passion that brought him into motorsports, while recognizing the enormous effort required to succeed at this prestigious event. His journey underscores the enduring link between grassroots competition and the highest levels of NASCAR, serving as inspiration to other drivers balancing ambition, tradition, and pure love of the sport.
Why does a modified guy like Ryan Preece care so much about the Derby?
Simple. He’s a racer, one who appreciates the time and effort that goes into a Snowball Derby program. pic.twitter.com/zZVvkgRav8
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) December 3, 2025
