10 Things to Know About the 55th Snowball Derby

The Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway, the most significant race of the year for Super Late Models, is upon us. Here are 10 essential things you should know before the main event.

Pensacola is set to welcome an old acquaintance as the Grand Marshall for the 55th Annual Snowball Derby. Red Farmer, the only driver to have participated in 32 consecutive Snowball Derby events, will be giving the command to commence another race. Farmer first raced in 1968 and set a rapid time before withdrawing from the event.

READ MORE: Red Farmer Named Grand Marshal of 55th Annual Snowball Derby

A total of 21 drivers have led 100 laps in the Snowball Derby without achieving victory. Derek Thorn is noteworthy for having done so in the last two Snowball Derby races.

READ MORE: Derek Thorn Won't Change a Thing in Snowball Derby

– There is a lot of money on the line for the weekend for the Snowball Derby drivers. First off, it’s $2,000 to set fast time for the Snowball Derby event. The race itself will pay $30,000 to win, with $50 going to drivers who lead a lap with a total of $15,000 on the line in lap money. A big check will await the winner of the race. Also, there is a bonus going to the Snowball Derby top rookie of $10,000.

READ MORE: Lap Leader Bonuses Worth $15,000 at Snowball Derby

Bubba Pollard is preparing for his 15th participation in the Snowball Derby. The champion of the Blizzard Series five times over, Pollard has achieved victories in all aspects of short track racing except for the Snowball Derby. This year, there hasn’t been a significant amount of attention surrounding Pollard, and for the first time since 2008, he didn’t secure a win in a Blizzard race. Perhaps these circumstances will provide the push he needs to finally conquer the Derby.

READ MORE: It Is What It's Going to Be for Bubba Pollard in 15th Derby

– Stephen Nasse and Hunter Robbins will each be looking to make their 12th start in the Snowball Derby. Robbins is a former pole sitter and Nasse won twice this season in the Blizzard Series. Nasse has five Blizzard wins in the last three seasons.

Derek Thorn has been at the lead for 648 laps in this event, but has yet to reach victory lane. He has led the most laps out of any participant who has not won, putting him in third place overall. The top of the list is occupied by Eddie Mercer with 782 laps, followed by Bobby Gill who has led 691 laps.

WATCH THE 2022 SNOWBALL DERBY ON RACING AMERICA

Thorn is set to potentially tie or set a record this Friday night. He could win the pole for the Snowball Derby for the fourth year in a row. If he manages to do so, he will be tying with Eddie Mercer for the most pole awards at the Snowball, each having four.

There are 21 Snowball Derby rookies present, each aiming for the $10,000 bonus awarded to the top Snowball Rookie.

READ MORE: Snowball Derby Rookie of the Year to Earn $10,000

Chandler Smith may have withdrawn from the race, but there are still four previous winners hoping to qualify. Augie Grill, Noah Gragson, Ty Majeski, and Erik Jones are all vying for another chance at the Tom Dawson trophy.

– You can watch the race live on Sunday on RacingAmerica.com – The flag-to-flag coverage can be purchased in a package deal or days can be individuals.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER