Ryan Preece is gearing up for the renowned Snowball Derby this Sunday at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, bringing excitement to one of the biggest events in the short track racing calendar. The RFK Racing driver is aiming for victory with his new car, while emphasizing the vital support he receives from his wife, a fellow racer, as he prepares for the challenging event. The Ryan Preece Snowball Derby ambitions are front and center as he joins NASCAR’s best in pursuit of a win.
Preece Prepares for the Snowball Derby with Family by His Side
The Snowball Derby is the pinnacle of Super Late Model racing, drawing top talent from across NASCAR who want to test themselves against elite competitors. Ryan Preece, well-known in the Cup Series, will be among the stars taking to the Pensacola track, bringing not just his skills but also a newly unveiled car. Recently sharing his preparations with FloRacing, Preece opened up about the personal challenges of balancing his racing commitments and family life.
“She has just really hated me these past couple of weeks. To be honest with you, I’m gonna be gone for a week, you’re gonna be for weeks. I wish I could help more at home. With me being here. But she’s definitely been a saint.”
— Ryan Preece, RFK Racing Driver
Preece’s wife, Heather DesRochers, is also no stranger to the unique demands of competitive motorsport. She first met Preece in 2009 at Stafford Motor Speedway, where her father was purchasing a car built by the same chassis shop employing Preece. Their shared connection to racing helped spark their relationship, leading to marriage in 2017 and the birth of two children: Rebecca Marie in 2023 and a son in October 2025. The arrival of their son has added to Preece’s desire to be more present at home, but he remains committed to the demands of his racing career.
Debuting the Apollo 60 Weinermobile at Five Flags Speedway
Preece’s preparations culminated with the unveiling of the “Apollo 60” Weinermobile, his car for the Snowball Derby, complete with a striking new trailer and wrap. He is optimistic that this machine could propel him to the coveted Victory Lane—though he recognizes the competition will be intense, even from fellow NASCAR drivers.
“– @RyanPreece_ has a new car, new trailer, and new wrap. And he’s hoping that the “Apollo 60” Weinermobile can rocket to #SnowballDerby glory on Sunday at @5FlagsSpeedway. pic.twitter.com/MmDKuYEgbu”
— FloRacing
The Snowball Derby not only represents an opportunity for Preece to shine among NASCAR’s elite but also to demonstrate the dedication poured in by both him and his family. The “Apollo 60” entry stands as a testament to the teamwork and passion that his household invests in racing.
Competing Against NASCAR’s Top Short Track Stars
The 2025 edition of the Snowball Derby promises to be fiercely contested. Preece will find himself racing against prominent names, including two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch—who won the Derby in 2009 and 2017 and is making his sixth appearance this year. Another top contender, Erik Jones, who became a Cup Series driver after two Derby victories, is also racing, bringing his total starts in the event to seven with this appearance. The lineup for Sunday’s Derby is filled out by strong competitors such as Noah Gragson, David Gilliland, Ty Majeski, and Derek Kraus, making the field one of the most talented in the event’s history.
With family support and a fierce drive to succeed, Ryan Preece steps onto the stage at Five Flags Speedway, ready to test himself against some of short track racing’s finest. As the race approaches, all eyes are on whether the Ryan Preece Snowball Derby campaign will lead to victory, underlining both his determination as a driver and the vital encouragement from the people closest to him.
𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝟔𝟎 – @RyanPreece_ has a new car, new trailer, and new wrap. And he's hoping that the "Apollo 60" Weinermobile can rocket to #SnowballDerby glory on Sunday at @5FlagsSpeedway. pic.twitter.com/MmDKuYEgbu
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 3, 2025
