This weekend in Pensacola, Florida, several drivers from all across North America will tackle one of the most prestigious Late Model events of the season, the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway.
As usual, the presence of NASCAR National Series and ARCA Menards Series drivers can be felt in a major way during this off-season event, a number of whom come from backgrounds in the short-track world.
Noah Gragson is the only driver with a NASCAR Cup Series ride for the 2025 season who is confirmed to compete in the Snowball Derby this season, driving the No. 30 for Rette Jones Racing.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB driver Erik Jones has frequented the Snowball Derby several times before, but won’t be competing this year, as he enjoys the thrills of being a first-time father.
Derek Kraus makes his annual return to the Snowball Derby in 2024, driving his family-owned and operated No. 9 entry. Kraus competed part-time in the Cup Series for Kaulig Racing in 2024.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series has drummed up an impressive amount of representation at the Snowball Derby this season, with Chandler Smith (#2), Carson Kvapil (#8), Sammy Smith (#8), and William Sawalich (#62) competing — four drivers who had or will have full-time Xfinity Series rides.
Sawalich will be driving one of four entries from the Rackley WAR stable this weekend. The organization will also field Dawson Sutton in the event, who will run full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2025.
Kaden Honeycutt, who will compete for Rookie of The Year honors in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2025 alongside Sutton, is also entered in the Snowball Derby driving the No. 21.
Several others from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will also be represented in the event, including 2024 series champion Ty Majeski, who will compete in his usual No. 91.
Luke Fenhaus (No. 4), Jake Garcia (No. 35), Conner Jones (No. 44), Johnny Sauter (No. 55), and TRICON Garage partner David Gilliland (No. 98) will also be competing in the event.
Gio Ruggiero is headed to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, driving for TRICON Garage. He will also be competing in the event, along with several other drivers who competed alongside him in ARCA this season.
Brent Crews and Jake Finch both ran for Venturini Motorsports in ARCA this season, and will compete in the Snowball Derby, as will fellow ARCA driver Kole Raz.
A pair of brothers – and NASCAR Canada Series champions – Cayden and Treyten Lapcevich, will also compete in the event. Kyle Steckly, son of NASCAR Canada Series legend Scott Steckly, will also drive in the event, for Rette Jones Racing.
…and that’s just for the main event.
The Snowflake 100 for the Pro Late Model drivers will take place the night before the Snowball Derby and will include several NASCAR and ARCA-associated drivers, as well.
Jake Finch, Conner Jones, and Kaden Honeycutt will be among those double-dipping in the Snowflake 100 and Snowball Derby.
Dylan Cappello, crew chief for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Truck Series, will compete in the event, as will NASCAR employee Mamba Smith.
Spencer Davis, and part-time NASCAR Truck Series driver Clayton Green will also attempt to make the Snowflake 100. While not participating in the event, Carson Hocevar will serve as an owner, as Chase Pinsonneault drives the Carson Hocevar Racing No. 14.
