Snowball Derby qualifying a mixed bag for NASCAR drivers

This weekend is one of the biggest, if not the biggest Late Model race in the country, the Snowball Derby, and there are NASCAR stars in the field. It was an up-and-down qualifying session for most of our national series drivers. However, the race could end up playing in their favor.

If the weather allows, the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway should be raced this weekend. Things have been looking not great, though. However, qualifying did happen. There are 10 NASCAR stars in the field, and they each had their own good and bad days.

In total, 49 cars made qualifying attempts. Derek Thorn was the pole winner. Meanwhile, Ty Majeski and Noah Gragson followed in second and third. William Byron is the next best NASCAR talent down in 13th overall in qualifying.

Erik Jones (P21), William Sawalich (P26), Ryan Preece (P27), Sammy Smith (P32), Derek Kraus (P33), Carson Hocevar (P40), and Jake Garcia (P43) round out the NASCAR talent in the field.

Perhaps Noah Gragson is about to make a major statement out there with Rette Jones Racing in the No. 30 car. I actually like him there in the top-5. However, drivers like Bubba Pollard, Luke Fenhause, and Stephen Nasse have other ideas for the Snowball Derby.

These Late Model racers love when they can go up against the big names – grassroots stock car racing at its best.

Snowball Derby will be a must-watch race

This time of the year is when you see the best Late Model and Pro Late Model races. The NASCAR drivers all get their cars out of the garage after a long season on the national circuit. They jump in these cars that they haven’t driven and they put them up to the test.

Drivers like Pollard are racing dozens of times a year. They know their cars as well as the Cup drivers know their cars on Sundays. It is about talent, setup, qualifying, and who has the most guts.

The South Carolina 400 last week was fantastic. If you didn’t see that great finish, you need to go watch it on YouTube. Having NASCAR talent in the race elevates the game of everyone on the track, it leads to clean racing, and some of the best damn racing you will see all year.

Who is your pick for the Snowball Derby this year? It is sure to be a great show and if you can, make sure to tune in and catch the action tomorrow on Racing America.