Kenny Wallace, a former NASCAR driver and veteran reporter, has issued strong criticism of the Snowball Derby, pointing out what he describes as a persistent pattern of questionable race outcomes at the major Super Late Model event. His latest comments follow the high-profile disqualification of Ty Majeski from the 2025 Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, which led to Stephen Nasse being awarded the victory.
The 2025 Snowball Derby, renowned as one of the crowning events in short-track racing, became the center of attention when Ty Majeski, recognized from the NASCAR Truck Series, led for 225 laps and appeared set for a decisive win. With just 12 laps remaining of the rain-delayed race, officials black-flagged Majeski for allegedly jumping the final restart. This penalty stripped him of the win, allowing Stephen Nasse, who had often come close in the past, to secure his first Snowball Derby trophy in his 15th attempt by holding the front position until the finish.
Wallace Voices Discontent Over Repeated Race Drama
Kenny Wallace took to social media, drawing attention to what he sees as a troubling trend of controversies linked to the Snowball Derby. According to Wallace, the event has developed a reputation for technical disqualifications and on-track incidents that overshadow true racing results. He specifically referenced the previous disqualification of Chase Elliott in 2013, when Elliott’s car was found with a prohibited tungsten block during a post-race inspection after winning the race.
Wallace’s skepticism about how often major technicalities affect the outcomes was especially clear in his reaction to this year’s decision. In his statement, Wallace said:
“Snowball Derby controversy… It’s crazy, that Snowball Derby. To me, it’s neither here or there. This or that, they were playing games, you know. Stephen Nasse is the best at the business on holding back on restarts, and we all know how Ty Majeski is on the restarts. Forget all that. This snowball derby is marred in controversy. Chase Elliott won it one year, but he was DQ’d because he had Tungsten. Let me see have other ones. It’s always drama, and then Nasse with his magnesium.”
– Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver and Reporter
Event’s Reputation Tarnished by Recent Incidents
The outcome of the 2025 event is not the first time the winner’s circle at Five Flags Speedway has sparked heated debate in the racing community. Wallace reminded fans and officials alike that the Snowball Derby has become known for last-minute rulings that leave drivers and their crews frustrated. He lamented the repeated scenario in which technicalities and contentious judgments shape the final results, denying deserving drivers of clear-cut victories.
Reflecting on this recurring issue, Wallace did not hesitate to express his frustration. He stated:
“The snowball derby has a problem just ending with the real winner. Always some little bulls**t that really don’t matter. You’re not supposed to have tungsten, but Chase Elliott had a piece of tungsten and let’s whatever, you know, come on. I know whatever, but it’s just always some bulls**t deal. Snowball derby has got to get a run going in the future, just with a winner.”
– Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver and Reporter
Long-Term Impact for Competitors and Event Legacy
Stephen Nasse, long a contender but never a champion at this famed Super Late Model event, finally claimed his first Snowball Derby victory in his fifteenth try. However, the celebration has been clouded by ongoing questions regarding officiating and enforcement of regulations—a pattern that Wallace believes tarnishes the heritage of the showdown at Five Flags Speedway.
This cycle of post-race drama and driver disqualifications continues to shape the perception of the Snowball Derby among fans and drivers alike, raising discussions about the need for more consistency and transparency in rules enforcement. Kenny Wallace’s Snowball Derby criticism highlights a pressing debate within the stock car racing world, as core participants and spectators seek to protect the integrity of one of the sport’s most high-profile short-track battles. As new seasons approach, both competitors and organizers face increasing pressure to restore faith in the outcome of this storied event.
ICYMI@Kenny_Wallace's take on the @TyMajeski Snowball Derby controversy pic.twitter.com/cBGKpAlhGW
— The Kenny Wallace Show (@KWallaceShow) December 10, 2025
