2023 Snowball Derby features record purse, payouts

The 56th annual Snowball Derby will feature a record purse.

For starters, the winner of the 300-lap main event on December 3 will bank a record $35,000. The podium also will see record increases with $20,000 and $10,00 going to second and third, respectively.

As a point of comparison, the Snowball Derby had routinely paid $20,000 to the winner and then $25,000 for much of this century before incremental upgrades that reached $30,000 in 2022.

“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 in a press release. “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.”

Bryant said purse increases are coming for every division of the biggest event in pavement short track racing.

“For many people the week is about the Sunday show,” said 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. 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.”

Those details will be released at a later date.

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