Derek Thorn (right) scored the Tom Dawson Trophy with the win in Sunday’s Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway. Photo: Richard Pearson
Nothing like a little adversity on the path to achieving goals. Especially a lifetime goal.
More than a decade ago, Derek Thorn flipped in his first Snowball Derby start at Five Flags Speedway. While battling for track position, a driver came across Thorn’s nose and sent him end-over-end in turn 2.
On Sunday — exactly 11 years since that barrel roll — the 36-year-old Late Model ace became the first California driver to hoist the Tom Dawson Trophy when he won the 55th annual Snowball Derby at the Pensacola, Florida speedplant.
“The car was so dang good,” Thorn said. “It feels unbelievable to go back to California this time with the trophy.”
Thorn led 307 of 318 total laps, as the 300-lap Super Late Model went into overtime with a series of late cautions.
Emotions overflowed in victory lane while reflecting on the last 365 days. Chandler Smith denied Thorn his first win in the Snowball Derby last December with a controversial aggressive maneuver after Thorn dominated. He remained in his seat for several minutes Sunday processing the moment, sporting a smile and blowing kisses to supporters.
“The disappointment can drain you. It has been tough,” Thorn admitted. “So, this definitely makes it special. It’s one of those achievements that I will always look back on.
“I still don’t know how to win this race. It takes a lotta luck and you gotta be there at the end.”
Thorn’s first career Derby title capped an incredible four-year run in the event. He finished second the previous two runnings and sat on the pole three consecutive times (2019-2021). Thorn, who led more than 200 laps in each of the last three races, eclipsed Pensacola legend and 2005 Derby winner Eddie Mercer to become the event’s all-time laps leader en route to Sunday’s win.
The only bittersweet piece of the prize was it marked the final race Thorn would run for Byron Campbell Motorsports, a mutual decision both parties came to amicably.
“I don’t know if it’s possible to replicate what (the Campbells) have done,” Thorn said. “They always gave me such great racecars. Closing this chapter by winning the biggest race of my career, what a better way to end it.”
Sammy Smith finished runner-up, while Stephen Nasse’s third was his best career finish in 12 starts.
Thorn had a sense of déjà vu throughout the race because of how balanced he was. Just like last year, he led the most laps. And just like last year, a Donnie Wilson Motorsports car was his toughest competition. But unlike a year ago, Thorn swatted away Sammy Smith, Cole Butcher and NASCAR Cup driver William Byron — all piloting Wilson mounts — instead of battling just Chandler Smith.
Sammy Smith had his own opportunity to rough up Thorn in hopes of securing the win similar to Chandler Smith before him. They dove into turn 1 on the last restart with 315 laps complete. Thorn was glued to the bottom with Sammy Smith behind him and Nasse to the right of Thorn. Smith decided discretion was the better part of valor and chose not to move or, worse, wreck Thorn.
“Our only shot would’ve been to take (Thorn) out and dump in turn 1,” the 18-year-old said. “We’ll be back next year. I wanna win this one.”
He and everybody else will have to catch up to Thorn, who will regroup to pursue other Late Model opportunities while mentoring and coaching young drivers as part of his racing team.
Position always matters at the Derby and Thorn has been exactly where he wants to be for four straight versions. Only on this first Sunday in December, Thorn wasn’t going to let any adversity keep him from staying in that preferred position.
“The whole from the drop of the green was to get clear of them,” Thorn said. “If they can’t get to your bumper in (turn) 3, you know you’re in pretty good shape.”
5 Flags Speedway – Pensacola, FL
Snowball Derby – December 4, 2022
1. 43-Derek Thorn
2. 22-Sammy Smith
3. 51-Stephen Nasse
4. 25-Casey Roderick
5. 53-Cole Butcher
6. 24-William Byron
7. 35-Jake Garcia
8. 08-Jace Hansen
9. 16-Jacob Gomes
10. 91-Ty Majeski
11. 48-Preston Peltier
12. 32-Carson Kvapil
13. 26-Bubba Pollard
14. 69-Michael Hinde
15. 43D-Daniel Dye
16. 2R-Gio Ruggiero
17. 18L-Ryan Luza
18. 54-Matt Craig
19. 9-Derek Kraus
20. 30-Noah Gragson
21. 4-Luke Fenhaus
2. 33-Dustin Smith
23. 44-Jeremy Doss
24. 5F-Albert Francis
25. 26B-Josh Berry
26. 18R-Hunter Robbins
27. 21L-Jesse Love
28. 21-Corey Heim
29. 98R-Blaine Rocha
30. 1-Michael House
31. 65-Tyler Tanner
32. 14N-Austin Nason
33. 4J-Erik Jones
34. 51F-Jake Finch
35. 44J-Conner Jones
36. 112-Augie Grill
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