November 22, 2024

You always want to look your best on Sundays, and at the Snowball Derby, it’s no different.

As Super Late Model teams get ready to head to Pensacola, Florida for the 57th running of the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway, they are preparing their cars for the 300-lap slugfest.

It almost reads like a Christmas bedtime story…

Fresh bodies are being hung with care, in the hope that a chance at the Tom Dawson trophy will soon be there.

Each team prides itself on looking good with new bodies, new wraps, and occasionally special Christmas or Snowball-themed cars that catch the fans’ eye. With the internet, the ability to showcase a good-looking car, special paint scheme, or throwback ride has become even easier.

Regardless of the race or practice speeds, the top 10 picks get extra exposure during the vote leading up to race day.

Many fans remember the Brian Campbell “Grinch” car and the Ross Kenseth “Ugly Sweater” car because those were some of the first to push the envelope. The popularity pushed the demand for a winner to be awarded among the Snowflake cars as well.

A special shoutout goes to Speed51.com, the originators of the ‘Best Appearing Car’ award. For years, Speed51 has celebrated the artistry and creativity in short track racing, elevating the importance of great design while inspiring countless teams to bring their most imaginative looks to life. Their legacy of championing this honor continues to inspire fans and racers alike.

In more recent years, the Santa themes and tributes have dominated the victory board. Bubba Pollard has won the honor three times—once with a tribute scheme and others with slick designs from his creative partners.

A year ago, Stephen Nasse took his black and gold to the fan vote and won top honors. In 2022, Johnny Clark earned the award for presenting his Christmas ride all the way from the state of Maine, even though he didn’t make the event.

Of the 14 winners thus far, seven have featured Snowball, Santa, or Christmas themes, while others have gone with traditional designs or special schemes created just for this race.

Snowball Derby Award Winners

• 2023: Stephen Nasse (Black and Gold)
• 2022: Johnny Clark (Santa and Rudolph)
• 2021: Michael House (Winter Wonderland)
• 2020: Augie Grill (Frankie Tribute Snowflakes)
• 2019: Derek Griffith (Santa and Reindeer) 
• 2018: Bubba Pollard (White and Silver)
• 2017: Bubba Pollard (White and Yellow)
• 2016: Cole Anderson (Santa Special) 
• 2015: Brian Campbell (Unwrapped)
• 2014: Ross Kenseth (Ugly Sweater)
• 2013: Johanna Long (Red Sharp Metal) 
• 2012: Brian Campbell (Grinch)
• 2011: Dennis Prunty (Orange)
• 2010: Bubba Pollard (Beau Slocumb Tribute Car)

Snowflake 100 Award Winners

• 2023: Chris Munson (Santa and Snowman)
• 2022: Bryson Shaffer (Grinch and Lights)
• 2021: Derek Griffith (Black and Green)
• 2020: Mason Keller (Santa Ice Metallic)
• 2019: Connor Okrzesik (Snowflakes)
• 2018: Jack Dossey, III (Scary Santa)
• 2017: Dan Leeck (Snowflakes)
• 2016: Josh Nelms (Nightmare before Snowball)

– Horvath Design / HDFive Press Release

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Cover photo: Reid Scott / Liberty Racing Review