Perhaps the most unexpected Snowball Derby entry was filed last month when NASCAR Truck Series regular Jordan Anderson stated his intent to enter with the Reuse Brothers No. 88.
Perhaps it shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise.
Anderson developed his race craft in the Carolina Super Late Model scene in the early 2000s before advancing to the NASCAR ranks. Anderson made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with aid from Bobby and Roger Reuse.
Anderson has driven for Bobby Reuse and vice versa in the Truck Series, and now that relationship has culminated with an appearance in the Snowball Derby.
“So Bobby actually let me go up there and drive his Pro Late Model when they hauled it to Alaska (Motorsports Park) and that kind of started the discussion about racing more. And Bobby made me bust out laughing.
“He says, ‘do you think you could fit the Snowball Derby into your schedule’ as if there was any other answer but yes!”
“I was like, ‘Man, what are you talking about – find time, ‘” Anderson recalled. “This has been my dream for a long time to do this race. It goes back to like 2010 talking about doing this. I’m so excited to be here.”
READ MORE: Complete Snowball Derby coverage
When Anderson made the move to the Truck Series, his Snowball Derby aspirations took a back seat because he was so hyperfocused on paying the bills to keep his team running. Now only has he kept the team going, Anderson has actually grown it to the verge of being an expected playoff contending team in 2020.
Fortunately for Anderson, Reuse had only one requirement for his friend this week: Bring your gear and get the most out of our race car.
“Not only is Bobby giving me a shot to do this, he has a brand new GARC (Great American Race Cars) chassis and a brand new Hamner Engine,” Anderson said. “This is a great opportunity and hopefully we can make these guys proud.”
Anderson believes it’s not out of the realm of possibility to be a top-15 car by the end of Sunday. Realistically, with attrition, that could be a chance to go for an upset bid.
READ MORE: Here is the qualifying order for Snowball Derby time trials
“We made some changes to our (Truck Series) team in the off-season to try to put ourselves into really good spot for next year,” Anderson said. “We’ve had some really good runs, but I’m so preoccupied with paying for the tire bills, the body work.
“Bobby owns this car. God love him but he’s paying the tire bills. I get to be aggressive and take my shot. It’s such a relieving feeling. I just get to my helmet on and get after it. This is going to be a lot of fun.”
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