Ranting and Raving’s Top Picks for the 43rd Annual Snowball Derby

After hyping the race last week, we’ll now look at who has the inside shot at actually winning Sunday afternoon’s Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla.
2009 race-winner Kyle Busch is likely unable to attend the 2010 race, meaning we could easily have a new champion crowned on Sunday. In looking at possible contenders, we’ll separate the most likely winners into two categories.

The first is composed of long-time local entrants who have raced at Five Flags for at least three years. Several members of this group have even raced at the speedway for several decades. The second group consists of drivers with large enough financial backings, giving them a shot at overcoming even the most experienced of local drivers. We’ll start with the latter group:
Kyle Busch Motorsports: Team-owner Kyle will be attending the Cup Series Championship banquet on Friday and has an outside shot of driving the no. 51 Toyota Camry on Sunday. KBM has two entries with T.J. Reaid expected to race the second car. KBM has competed in the Snowball for half a decade and has brought powerful machines, capable of winning, each season. Busch, Reaid or any other combination of KBM drivers will lead this group on Sunday.

David Stremme: This is only Stremme’s second Snowball Derby after competing in last season’s event. Stremme lacks the experience that most other divers have but has an engine built by two-time Snowball winning team Augie and Frankie Grill. The Grills helped build both cars and has been successful at Five Flags in the past. Keep an eye out for Stremme in 2010’s event.
Ross Kenseth: Kenseth, the son of former NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt, qualified on the outside pole for the 2009 Snowball Derby and has an excellent shot at the front row again on Friday. Kenseth struggled with a ill-handling machine and avoided several accidents to finish 12th. The Wisconsin State Champion expects this year’s race to end much differently.
Chase Elliott: The 15-year old prodigal son of former NASCAR Cup Series Champion Bill Elliott has turned a lot of heads in the world of late model racing, having secured several top wins across the country. At 14-years old, Chase turned even more heads at last year’s Snowball Derby, securing seventh place in that race. Elliott is also the youngest winner of a race at Lanier Speedway and is the youngest winner in the Georgia Asphalt Series, having also won their Season Championship and Rookie of the Year honors. If you think that Elliott is done breaking records, think again. Elliott just might be poised to become the youngest Snowball Derby Champion ever.

The local drivers’ chances can be found after the jump!

Johanna Long: The Long family has been racing at Five Flags Speedway for a very long time, having lived just behind the hills of the speedway for several years. Johanna’s father Greg has been a fixture in Pensacola for years and the family has increased in popularity because of it. Johanna’s familiarity with the track and undeniable talent has made her a popular pick among short track observers. The Long family pedigree and several big wins across the region has propelled Johanna to the cusp of NASCAR stardom, having made several starts in the Truck and Nationwide Series in 2010. Long has the best shot between the local racers and might have the best chance overall to win her first Snowball Derby.
Grant Enfinger: The 25 year-old University of South Alabama graduate finally acheived a life’s dream in competing at Talladega earlier this season. Enfinger has made stops at the ARCA and Camping World Truck Series levels this summer and really needs a strong showing at Five Flags Speedway. His long-time sponsor, Beasley Allen Lawfirms have pulled its funding and Enfinger needs a good finish on Sunday to ensure that he can continue racing in 2011. Enfinger has all the talent of a NASCAR superstar and just needs a break. Look for Enfinger to run the race of his life on Sunday.
Augie Grill: The Grill familiy IS racing in the southeast. As mentioned above with the Stremme Racing operation, Grill and his father, Frankie are both regionally respected race car buiders. In addition to the two Snowball Derby wins, Grill has also taken victories in the famous Rattler 100 in Opp, Alabama and the 2008 Alabama 200 championship. Grill absolutely knows what he’s doing when he steps foot on Five Flags Speedway.
Eddie Mercer: “Fast” Eddie Mercer is racing royalty in Pensacola, having finally broke through, winning the Snowball Derby in 2005. Mercer is a long time car dealer and amusement park owner in Pensacola.

2010 Snowball Derby Entry List (Bolded Names Are My Personal Emphasis)

Unofficial and Continially Evolving Entry List for 37 Starting Spots

Matt Weaver is the Sports Editor for the Vanguard (USA) and can be reached at jmatthewweaver(at)aol.com