Erik Jones holds off Kyle Busch in Snowball Derby instant classic

Erik Jones became just the second 16 year-old winner of the Snowball Derby, holding off Kyle Busch in a frantic 20-lap dash to the finish on Sunday afternoon at Five Flags Speedway.

Being among the youngest to do something isn’t new for Jones, who also became the first 15-year-old to compete in the ARCA Racing Series this past season. It’s been a quick maturation process for Jones, who has been racing in some form since he was 7, starting off in the highly-competitive quarter-midget sanctions in the Midwest.

Steve Wallace insisted he wasn’t out to hurt anyone when he tossed a hammer at Kyle Busch’s car during Sunday’s Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Florida.

Erik Jones delivered Five Flags Speedway yet another Snowball Derby moment on Sunday afternoon, defeating Kyle Busch in a Super Late Model instant classic. It was an epic conclusion to a fantastic weekend that featured a little bit of everything.

The 16-year-old Jones, who competes part-time in the ARCA Racing Series, raced side-by-side with one of NASCAR’s best drivers for 10 laps off a lap 280 restart. He would pull away with eight laps to go and become the fourth first-time winner in as many races in the Snowball Derby.

*eligible for provisional