“We’re showing up to take trophy home”: Kyle Busch sends a clear message as he confirms Snowball Derby return 

Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch recently announced his comeback to the Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola. Busch was recently featured in an interview with the stock car racing association, where he opened up about his return to the Snowball Derby this season.

The Richard Childress Racing driver has previously competed in the event five times since 2002. He will pilot the #51 Lucas Oil-sponsored entry for Bryson Lopez Racing in the Super Late Model crown jewel event. Additionally, the team will be guided by the 2025 Xfinity Series championship-winning crew chief, Danny Stockman.

The Snowball Derby is scheduled from December 4 to 7, 2025, at the Florida-based track. Reflecting on this, Kyle Busch shared his thoughts about the crown jewel event with NASCAR:

“It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Pensacola, but I haven’t forgotten how to get around Five Flags. The Snowball Derby is one of those bucket-list races you always want to win again and again, and I’m fired up to be back with the No. 51 Lucas Oil team and FloRacing. We’re showing up to take that trophy home.”

Kyle Busch debuted in the Snowball Derby in 2002 and wrapped the event in P33. Following that, he competed in the crown jewel event again in 2008 and claimed his maiden Snowball Derby title. Then he competed again in 2012, finishing third. Busch had two more runs at the Five Flags Speedway in 2017, where he secured his second triumph, and in 2020, marking his last race.

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"Exploit it the way you need": Kyle Busch got candid about the 3/3/4 rumored playoff format in the NASCAR Cup Series

In September 2025, Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch was featured in an interview with Frontstretch Media. During the interaction ahead of the Bristol Motor Speedway race, Busch shared his take on the 3/3/4 format for the 2026 season.

The current format features three rounds of playoffs, with three races each round, preceding the final Championship 4 race. However, the governing body aims to change the format and add four races to the championship battle, giving each driver a fair shot at the championship.

In response to this, Kyle Busch told the media:

"Um, yeah. I mean, I haven't been in the playoffs in a few years, so it'd be nice to get back to the playoffs and have a shot to race for something of that nature. But, um, you know, whatever it is, everybody knows what it is going in, and you just got to figure out your best way through the system in order to bring you home a championship." [01:03 onwards] "Uh, I don't. It doesn't matter what system it is. Everybody wants to make such a big deal about what it is. If you know what is going in, exploit it the way you need to exploit it for yourself to make a championship. There you go," he added.

Kyle Busch wrapped the 2025 Cup Series season in P21 with 737 points. He continued his winless streak this season and only secured three top fives, followed by 10 top tens in 36 starts.

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Edited by Karan Yadav