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Rattler 250 trophy one of the most unique in short track racing

Ty Majeski Racing

The Rattler 250 may have the most frightening prize in the history of short track racing — just ask 2015 winner Christopher Bell.

Like all the winners before him over the past decade, Bell received a trophy that contained a coiled replica of a rattlesnake after defeating Harrison Burton and Chase Elliott that afternoon. He also had to pose with the real deal in Victory Lane and the picture of his face during the proceedings made national headlines.

“I’m not a snake guy, but I guess I can handle that one if it means I’m here in Victory Lane,” Bell said afterwards.

But his face told a completely different story.

The tradition dates back to the inception of the race nearly 40 years ago as a sister event to the City of Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo. Both events had snake handlers, beauty queens and of course … the snake itself.

This was expanded in 2005 when Jason Hogan won the first snake head trophy for his victory. That design has since been modified from a head in a glass case to an entire coiled up rattler. Combined with the winner having to pose with the real thing, second place might be the real winner Sunday.

Bubba Pollard won the race back in 2012 and honestly doesn’t remember interacting with the fanged serpent.

It might be emotional scarring.

“I still don’t like snakes and don’t want nothing to do with them,” Pollard said. “If we can win our second Rattler, I think it will be pretty cool and pretty special. Back then I was younger and I really don’t remember it much, but I don’t think we were very good that year.  I think we have better race cars and are more prepared now, so it would be a lot more special to us.

“But I don’t deal well with the snakes. About a couple of feet is the closest I’m going to get to him; he can stay at the front of the car and I’ll stay at the rear of the car and we’ll be just fine.”

Back when he was an active driver, Ross Kenseth made his feelings quite clear.

“The best snake is a dead snake,” Kenseth said. “Winning the Rattler is a huge accomplishment but it’s hard to balance that with the fact that you have to get in there with a rattlesnake.”

READ MORE: Rattler 250 Entry List

The race will pay over $10,000-to-win at a minimum, depending on the number of entries, but the poisonous exchange rate on Sunday might have someone second-guessing their life choices coming to the checkered flag.

“You might see a little less hesitation coming out of Turn 4 if the snake was lined across the start-finish line,” Pollard said.

Friday is the practice day for the Southern Super Series Super Late Models while qualifying and the Pro Late Model Baby Rattler is scheduled for Saturday night. The Rattler 250 itself is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local) on Sunday afternoon.

The entire Rattler 250 race weekend will be broadcast online via Speed51.com’s 51TV pay-per-view service. Sunday only will cost $24.99 while both days run for $39.99.

ORDER THE PAY-PER-VIEW HERE

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Matt Weaver is the owner and founder of Short Track Scene. Weaver grew up in the sport, having raced himself before becoming a reporter in college at the University of South Alabama. He also has extensive experience covering NASCAR, IndyCar and Dirt Sprint Cars.

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