Kyle Busch is set to headline the 2025 Snowball Derby, as the celebrated NASCAR driver returns to Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida from December 4 to 7. The Kyle Busch Snowball Derby 2025 appearance marks his first in five years, igniting anticipation for the event’s 58th annual running and raising competition levels among a deep roster of talented drivers.
Anticipation Grows as Former Champions Return
This year’s Snowball Derby entry list is distinguished by the presence of Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and previous winner of this iconic Super Late Model event. Busch, who captured the Snowball Derby title in both 2009 and 2017, will drive the #51 Lucas Oil car for Bryson Lopez Racing as he aims to secure a third victory and solidify his legacy.
With his impressive career accomplishments and past Derby success, Busch’s return has heightened focus not only among fans but also among his fellow competitors, many of whom are established NASCAR Cup Series names or rising stars in the sport.
Renowned Competitors Bolster the Race Field
Joining Busch in the 2025 Snowball Derby field is Erik Jones, who counts two Snowball Derby victories in 2012 and 2013 among his achievements. Jones’s participation reflects the caliber of competition expected this year. Noah Gragson, another NASCAR Cup Series regular and past winner in 2018 while racing a car owned by Busch, is also making his eighth career start in this prestigious race, further intensifying the competitive atmosphere at Five Flags Speedway.
Ryan Preece, experienced NASCAR Cup Series driver, is also confirmed for the event and will mark his fourth start, having posted a best finish of fourth place in 2021. These repeat participants underscore the Snowball Derby’s unique allure and the significance it holds for both seasoned pros and emerging drivers.
Notable Drivers From Across NASCAR Series
The 2025 edition will see a robust lineup from both the O’Reilly and Truck Series circuits. Former NASCAR Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter returns alongside Dawson Sutton, TRICON Garage owner David Gilliland, and newly crowned 2024 NASCAR Truck champion Ty Majeski. Other confirmed drivers include Conner Jones, Derek Kraus, Bayley Currey, and Jake Garcia, adding strength and depth to a broad field that showcases diverse racing backgrounds and affiliations.
An Expansive Lineup Including Defending Champion
More than 45 drivers will battle for victory in the 2025 Snowball Derby, featuring current and past NASCAR competitors, as well as previous Derby winners. Among the most prominent entries is Kaden Honeycutt, the defending champion, returning to defend his title and contend with some of the sport’s biggest names.
The continual draw of the Snowball Derby as one of the “crown jewels” on the short-track calendar ensures that the event not only celebrates skill and history but also provides a stage for racing’s brightest to compete head-to-head.
Significance for Short-Track Racing and Beyond
The 2025 Snowball Derby promises to be a milestone event, energized by Kyle Busch’s highly anticipated return and a field stacked with champions and prodigies alike. Five Flags Speedway is set to host a fiercely competitive weekend, with the presence of many key entities—ranging from Johnny Sauter and David Gilliland to Ty Majeski and Kaden Honeycutt—each aiming for victory. This year’s showdown is expected to have a lasting impact on the short-track racing community, further elevating the profile of the drivers and the prestigious race itself.
