Kyle Busch Set for Long-Awaited Snowball Derby Comeback at Five Flags Speedway
It’s been a minute, but the man they call “Rowdy” is ready to get back to his roots. Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with a fire that burns as hot as his engine, is strapping back into a Super Late Model. He’s heading down to Pensacola, Florida, for the legendary Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway this December, and you can bet he isn’t just coming to sign autographs.
For the first time in five years, the familiar sight of Busch wrestling a short-track machine around a historic half-mile will be a reality. This isn’t just some exhibition run for a big-name driver; this is Kyle Busch we’re talking about. The guy lives and breathes racing, and the Snowball Derby is one of those gritty, bare-knuckle brawls that define a true racer’s spirit.
He’s reuniting with the No. 51, this time under the Bryson Lopez Racing banner with Lucas Oil on the side, a machine that’s sure to be a rocket ship.”It‘s been a few years since I‘ve been to Pensacola, but I haven‘t forgotten how to get around Five Flags,” Busch said, with that classic confidence that fans either love or love to hate.
“The Snowball Derby is one of those bucket-list races you always want to win again and again, and I‘m fired up to be back with the No. 51 Lucas Oil team and FloRacing. We‘re showing up to take that trophy home.” And you better believe him. He isn’t just showing up for a paycheck or a photo op. He’s showing up to win.
The Legacy of Kyle Busch at the Snowball Derby
This isn’t Busch’s first rodeo in Pensacola. His history with the Derby is a testament to his raw talent and sheer determination. He first tackled the beast back in 2002, a young gun still making his name. It was a harsh lesson that ended in a 33rd-place finish. But Kyle Busch doesn’t quit.
He came back in 2009, hungrier and smarter. He didn’t just compete. He dominated, leading a staggering 91 laps to hoist the coveted Tom Dawson Trophy finally. That victory wasn’t a fluke. He returned in 2012, leading more laps and battling to a hard-fought third-place finish.
Then, in 2017, he did it again, starting deep in the pack and clawing his way to the front to lead 28 laps and claim his second Snowball Derby title. His last appearance in 2020 saw him finish a solid seventh. He knows this track. He knows what it takes. And he knows the sweet taste of victory lane in this hallowed event.
Why the Snowball Derby Is a Crown Jewel
For those who don’t follow the grassroots scene, the Snowball Derby is the Super Bowl of Super Late Model racing. Since 1968, it has been a proving ground for legends and a launching pad for future stars. Long before they were household names in NASCAR, guys like Pete Hamilton, Donnie Allison, and the legendary Darrell Waltrip cut their teeth and won at Five Flags Speedway.
The tradition continues today. Look at the modern NASCAR grid, and you’ll see a list of Snowball Derby champions: Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, John Hunter Nemechek, and Noah Gragson. Winning this race means something. It proves you can hang with the most demanding short-track racers in the country, on a day when everyone brings their absolute best.
It’s a badge of honor, and Kyle Busch already has two of them. He’s coming back for a third. This year’s field is shaping up to be another who’s who of racing talent. Joining Busch on the entry list are fellow Cup Series drivers Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson.
The field will also be packed with some serious talent from the Truck and ARCA series, like Ty Majeski, Jake Garcia, and the 2016 Truck Series champ, Johnny Sauter. More than 50 drivers will pour their hearts, souls, and every ounce of their budget into just trying to make the 30-car starting field.
Final Thoughts
The action kicks off with practice on Thursday, December 4th. The tension will be sky-high for qualifying on Friday, with the race itself roaring to life on Sunday, December 7th. It’s more than just a race. It’s a pilgrimage for hardcore race fans. And with Kyle Busch back in the mix, it just got a whole lot more interesting.
