Photo – Courtesy of Speed51.com
The Snowball Derby is the pinnacle of pavement short track racing in America. The crown jewel event attracts hundreds of race cars, thousands of attendees and even more fans following along through Speed51.com. Five Flags Speedway announced Tuesday that Speed51.com powered by JEGS will be the “Official News Site of the Snowball Derby” for a 15th consecutive year.
While no amount of coverage will ever substitute for actually being a part of the Snowball Derby experience, 51 will bring fans closer to the action than ever before with several new interactive features, as well as Trackside Now coverage.
“We enjoy working with the team at Speed51. We recognize the passion that they have for their coverage of the Snowball Derby and with their help we look forward to a successful 49th Snowball Derby,” said Tim Bryant, promoter of Five Flags Speedway and the Snowball Derby. “Speed51 has a long-standing relationship with the Snowball Derby that dates back to before the Bryant family took over, however we were quick to realize the benefits of an exclusive live coverage outlet.
“Over the years as the race has nurtured itself along, so has the 51 coverage, which is phenomenal. It’s such a benefit; not only for those folks not able to make the trip to Pensacola this year, but also for folks that maybe have not left for the track and are coming later in the week. It’s been perceived as a great benefit for those on-site at the Snowball Derby as they rely on Speed51 for insights and behind-the-scene information.”
The traditional year-end event will commence at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL on Wednesday, November 30th, with the 49th Snowball Derby taking place on Sunday, 4, 2016.
Speed51.com will feature tons of stories about many of the personalities and competitors involved in every division of the event leading up to the Snowball Derby week.
“The atmosphere and pomp and circumstance is unlike any other short track event of the year. To experience it, firsthand, is magical and is a bucket-list event for any racing fan in America,” said Bob Dillner, Executive Editor of Speed51.com. “It is our mission to bring this race and its drivers more exposure than ever before. And at the same time, for those that cannot make it this year, we hope that paying attention to our coverage gives them the desire to make this a destination for years to come. Pensacola, FL is a special place to be, with so much to do at this time of the year.”
Bryant claims the coverage through Speed51.com is an added marketing tool for the Snowball Derby.
“We’ve already had people tell us this year, when they bought their tickets, that they have followed along on Speed51 in the past and now they are coming to the event to see it in person,” Bryant added.
Speed51.com became a part of the Snowball Derby lore in 2001 when it covered the events through stories and photo galleries. Since then, 51 has grown to bring fans unable to attend the short track spectacle closer to the action with live Trackside Now updates, video packages, unique photography and more. The coverage has grown into a partnership that has made Speed51.com the “Official News Website of the Snowball Derby” for the 15th straight year.
51’s coverage will also be an enhancement to the at-track experience with access to all of its coverage available on mobile devices and more. Fans will also be able to capture all the action through the Speed51 App (available through the Apple App Store and for Android devices through Google Play).
The 49th Annual Snowball Derby weekend kicks off on Wednesday, November 30 with the Cat Country/WEAR TV3 Green Flag Pit Party and Qualifying Order Draw Down.
Thursday, December 1 will see the Super Late Models take to the track for the first official Snowball Derby practice. The night will be highlighted by a 30-lap race for the Butler U-Pull-It Bombers and a 50-lap event for the Dock on the Beach Sportsmen division.
The top Snowball Derby starting spots will be set on Friday, December 2 during NASH FM 102.7 Pole Night. The Faith Chapel Super Stocks and the Modifieds will each run 50-lap features.
The Pro Late Models take center stage on Saturday, December 3 for the Allen Turner Hyundai Snowflake 100. The 50-lap Last Chance Qualifier for the Snowball Derby and a 50-lap feature for the Beef O’Brady’s Pro Truck division will also run on Saturday night.
Then on Sunday, December 4 the green flag will fly over the 49th Annual Snowball Derby. The 300-lap race will begin at 2 p.m. CT.