Although the 53rd Annual Snowball Derby took place nine days ago, our team at Speed51 is already looking forward to what may come at the 54th Annual Snowball Derby in December 2021. Likewise, many of the drivers that competed in this year’s event are already working to figure out what they need to do to capture the Tom Dawson Trophy at Five Flags Speedway.
Today, we take a look at the top five drivers with something to prove at next year’s Snowball Derby.
Stephen Nasse – He had a top-five run going in the late stages of the race before an alternator issue sidelined him before the conclusion of the race. Add in Saturday night’s controversial finish in the Snowflake 100 and his 2019 Snowball Derby disqualification, and Nasse will head to Five Flags Speedway in December 2021 as the driver with perhaps the biggest chip on his shoulder.
Bubba Pollard – Pollard is widely considered as one of the best drivers of our generation, but his snakebitten Snowball Derby luck continues. He had to use a provisional to get into this year’s race, finishing 34th after dropping out of the race two laps down. Next year will be his 14th attempt to claim the Tom Dawson Trophy.
Casey Roderick – He entered the Snowball Derby as one of the hottest drivers in America after winning the All American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway with his own team. He was in contention most of the day before a wreck with less than 100 to go ended his chances. He has proved he can get it done with his own equipment, and a big jump in year two can see him take the Super Late Model world by storm.
Casey Johnson – The difficulty of making the Snowball Derby field was proven once again when two-time defending ARCA Midwest Tour champion Casey Johnson failed to make the show in his first trip to Florida. The Wisconsin favorite will be looking for redemption in about a year’s time.
Carson Hocevar – The Michigan teenager had one of the strongest seasons in recent memory, winning the Redbud 400, Money in the Bank 150 and Winchester 400. However, he went from penthouse to outhouse late after an incident in the All American 400 and failing to qualify for the Snowball Derby for a second straight year. With a full NASCAR Truck Series schedule on tap for 2021, his Super Late Model schedule next year is anyone’s guess.
-Story by: Koty Geyer, Speed51 National Correspondent – Twitter: @kgeyer3
-Photo Credit: Speed51 Photo