Snowball Derby to Pay Record Purse
$35,000 to Await the Winner of the 56th Running
Track officials at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, (FL) have announced that the 2023 running of the Snowball Derby will see a substantial purse increase across the board. The 56th running of the Snowball Derby is already regarded as one of the ‘biggest Super Late Model races’ in the country and now the purse will match the race's prestige.
The winner of the 300-lap race will pocket the baseline share of $35,000 dollars. In addition the check for second will be $20,000 and $10,000 for third with each starter in the race making $2,000 (Updated to $2500)
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“Every year we take a look at the purse, looking for ways to increase the pay out,” said Tim Bryant, General Manager of Five Flags Speedway. “A few years ago we increased the winners share to $25,000 to win, and in 2022 we were able to make it $30,000 to win. Now, with the help of some great partners, we’re able to go to $35k. But honestly, we’re most proud of being able to increase the start money to $2,000 (updated to $2500).
The restructuring of the purse didn’t stop at the Snowball Derby. The entire weekend’s purse has been adjusted to support the races who run during the Snowball Derby week.
“For many people the week is about the Sunday show,” added Bryant. “It certainly stands out as the main event, but the support divisions that lead to Sunday are a vital component to the overall Snowball Derby Experience.”
“For us here at 5 Flags Speedway, we spend the entire year with one eye on the Derby,” added Bryant. “It’s our chance to host one of the biggest races of the year, in our own backyard. We strive to make the event better each year. We feel a tremendous responsibility to the competitors and fans to deliver on that.”
The Snowball Derby gets underway on Thursday, November 30th with racing following a full-day of practice for the Super and Pro Late Model teams. Pro Truck, Pure Stock and Sportsman divisions will race on Thursday night in their biggest events of the season.
Friday is Pole night as the day's practice leads up to qualifying for the 56th annual Snowball Derby at 6pm Central. The top 30 drivers will lock into the main event for Snowball Derby Sunday. That night the Modifieds of Mayhem will finish off their season. An invitational Crown Stock feature will also be held.
Saturday is an action packed day with the last-chance qualifying events for the Snowball Derby and the Allen Turner Snowflake 100. Pro Late Model drivers will take the green flag at 7pm for the 100-lap contest. The race will be followed by the Outlaw Division 50-lap event.
It all leads up to Sunday where the pre-race activities get underway at 12:00 Noon and the 56th running of the Snowball Derby goes green at 1pm CT. For more information on the Snowball Derby please visit www.snowballderby.com.