Kaden Honeycutt delivered an emphatic performance at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, clinching the Modifieds of Mayhem title during the Snowball Derby for the first time since 2020. In a race defined by his commanding lead and precise moves, Honeycutt seized the spotlight on a Tuesday evening that extended his stay thanks to weather delays during the prestigious December event.
Storms Reshape the Racing Schedule and Honeycutt’s Plans
Originally set to leave Pensacola sooner, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver remained in Florida after adverse weather rescheduled the Snowball Derby to Monday, with the Local Divisions race pushed to Tuesday. This shift placed Honeycutt on the grid for back-to-back events, ensuring the competition stayed fierce and the crowd engaged at Five Flags Speedway.
Climbing Through the Field After the Invert Draw
A post-invert draw positioned Honeycutt in sixth at the start, on the outside of the third row, piloting his distinctive blue, black, and orange No. 30 Modified. Despite this mid-pack launch, his car’s speed quickly became apparent; on the restart, he surged past several race leaders, establishing himself as a threat early in the 75-lap feature.
Taking Control in the Opening Laps
As the race approached Lap 20, Honeycutt shrank the distance to front-runner Cody Sticker, a dominant force and the winner of the last four Modifieds of Mayhem contests at the Derby. Skillfully using lapped traffic, Honeycutt slid inside Sticker, setting up the pivotal moment of the race. Numerous cautions did little to shake Honeycutt’s momentum, as his machine outperformed every challenger.
The Decisive Pass and Sticker’s Misfortune
The defining move came during a double-file restart, when Honeycutt swept around Sticker on the outside and captured the lead, distancing himself from the rest of the field. The reliability of his car was a key advantage, a fact he emphasized in victory lane:
“This racecar was just amazing. I just want to thank BMF, Hollen Designs, TRD,”
Honeycutt said.
“It was just a rocketship tonight, man. I can’t thank these guys enough. John just lets me drive this thing, and hopefully, we get to do it some more throughout the year, but this racecar was unbelievable, and it’s all that guy.”
Honeycutt shared after the win.
Conversely, Sticker’s night ended in disappointment, as a late mechanical problem forced his No. 46 Modified—once a dominant presence in the race—to retire several laps before the finish, placing outside the top-15.
Commanding Finish and Top Contenders
When the checkered flag flew, Honeycutt crossed the line with a commanding 6.217-second margin over second-place Kyle Purvis. Behind them, Matt Dimit secured third, followed by Richie Smith in fourth and Ryan Price completing the top five. Rounding out the first ten finishers were Matthew Laparade, Brad Bowman, Ander Jackson, Kevin Peel, and Jared Maupin.
Breaking Records and Facing Technical Setbacks
One notable storyline involved polesitter Derrick Griffin, who shattered a 12-year-old track record during Modifieds of Mayhem qualifying. Griffin’s potential, however, faded quickly as engine trouble emerged in the very first corner. Despite fighting his way from last to as high as fifth, persistent issues forced him to withdraw before the finish.
Significance of Honeycutt’s Snowball Derby Victory
Kaden Honeycutt’s Snowball Derby victory marks a significant shift in the Modifieds of Mayhem landscape at Five Flags Speedway, ending a run of repeat champions and spotlighting Honeycutt’s rising status in both local and national motorsport circles. His dominant drive, coupled with a formidable car and team support, sets the stage for a promising season ahead and elevates the profile of the event within grassroots racing.
