History of the Horvath Best Appearing Car Award at the Snowball Derby

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

Year Driver Scheme

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

Year Driver Scheme

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/HD5 Press Release
-Racing America Photo