The first preliminary entry list for the Snowball Derby was released to much fanfare on Wednesday afternoon.

Already highlighted by the return of 2015 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, the first list also includes several reigning Super Late Model champions from all over the country. Most notably, the list includes Southern Super Series champion Stephen Nasse, Midwest Tour champion Ty Majeski and CARS Tour champion Cole Rouse.

It also includes newly crowned NASCAR K&N Pro Series East titlist Harrison Burton, 5 Flags Speedway track champion Bubba Pollard and the winningest Late Model driver of 2017 in Casey Roderick.

It’s a fitting entry list for the 50^th running of the most prestigious Super Late Model race in the country and it’s only going to grow as the weeks pass closer to the first weekend of December. The list for the 300-lap showdown includes drivers from 18 states and three Canadian provinces.

Previous winners are also represented in this first list.

In addition to Busch, the 2009 winner, the race has already approved the entry blanks from reigning winner Christian Eckes, 2014 winner John Hunter Nemechek and 2004 winner Steven Wallace.

Other NASCAR notables like Corey Lajoie and Grant Enfinger are Snowball Derby regulars and will once again make the trip to the Gulf Coast.

Race weekend is November 30 to December 3 this year. During that time span, the field will be whittled down by qualifying and a last chance race to determine the 37 drivers that will take the green flag.

The complete provisional entry list can be found below.

Read more Short Track Scene:

• CARS Tour releases 2018 schedule, participation bonuses
• Snowball Derby rules and race procedures
• Modifed Tour not in Dale Jr.’s future plans

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