The Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, faced a significant delay after weather conditions, but the event’s focus remained on Kyle Busch, who secured a spot in the prestigious race through a tense last-chance qualifier. The race, which was set to begin at 2 p.m. ET, was pushed back over four hours due to rain and then further delayed by evening fog.
Rain and Fog Disrupt Race Day at Five Flags Speedway
Weather played a decisive role on the scheduled day of the Snowball Derby. Heavy rain forced officials to delay the start past the original afternoon time. Despite intensive track drying efforts, by 7 p.m. ET, thick fog continued to blanket the speedway, preventing the race from starting and even causing disruptions at the nearby airport.
As stated by race organizers:
“We tried to get the Snowball Derby going, but the fog settled in and there is a ground stop at the local regional airport. We are in a holding pattern.”
Preston Peltier Claims Pole Position; Qualifying Highlights
Preston Peltier emerged as the fastest qualifier, securing pole position with an impressive lap time of 16.240 seconds, narrowly edging out Ty Majeski, who posted 16.301 seconds. Other front runners included Hudson Bulger, Jake Finch, Spencer Davis, Michael Atwell, Jace Hansen, David Gilliland, Haeden Plybon, and Kasey Kleyn, all rounding out the top ten starting spots.
Securing a starting position through their qualifying times, drivers placed 11th through 30th included Dylan Fetcho, Dawson Sutton, Cole Butcher, Jacob Gomes, Derek Thorn, Kaden Honeycutt, Carson Brown, Tristan McKee, Max Reaves, Bubba Pollard, Derek Kraus, Treyten Lapcevich, Casey Roderick, Ty Fredrickson, Buddy Shepherd, Dustin Smith, Ryan Preece, Brandon Lopez, Kole Raz, and Chase Pinsonneault.
Notably, Chase Pinsonneault edged out Matt Craig for a guaranteed spot by a margin of 0.009 seconds, underscoring the fierce competition during qualifying. Kyle Busch, a renowned two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, finished just behind this cutoff and headed to the last-chance qualifier alongside Craig.
Kyle Busch Rallies in Last-Chance Qualifier
Six drivers advanced to the main derby via the last-chance qualifier and provisional spots. Kyle Busch led the field in this critical session, earning a start in the 31st position. He was joined by Stephen Nasse, Derek Griffith, Jake Garcia, Matt Craig, and Gavan Boschele, filling out positions 32 through 36 on the grid.
Well-known contenders like Cory Hall, Austin Nason, Conner Jones, Seth Christensen, Erik Jones, Casey Johnson, Noah Gragson, and Mike Hopkins did not advance and will miss the race.
Anticipation Remains High for the Snowball Derby
Despite the interruptions, excitement continues to build around this year’s Snowball Derby, notably with Kyle Busch securing his place after a dramatic qualifier. Fans, drivers, and NASCAR figures such as Derek Griffith, Stephen Nasse, and Cole Butcher now turn their attention to the skies, hoping for improved conditions at Pensacola’s Five Flags Speedway. Once racing resumes, all eyes will be on the drivers and the storied event as they compete for one of short-track racing’s most coveted victories.
