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Former Champ, Nationwide Series Driver Stephen Wallace Returns to Snowball Derby

By Chuck Corder

Stephen Wallace etched his named in Snowball Derby lore 7 years ago.

At 17, Wallace captured the attention of the racing world when he claimed short-track’s crown jewel in 2004 at Five Flags Speedway. That watershed moment still reverberates today, as Wallace remains the youngest driver to win the Derby.

After several close finishes in subsequent years, the 24 year old looks for Derby win No. 2 at the 44th edition of America’s most prestigious short-track race Dec. 4.

Wallace, who has posted back-to-back top-10 season finishes on NASCAR’s Nationwide Series, will once again steer the Richie Wauters Super Late Model he won in.

“Stephen Wallace has somewhat become the Jimmy Spencer of our time,� said Five Flags Speedway General Manager Tim Bryant, referring to Spencer’s nickname of ‘Mr. Excitement.’ “His Snowball Derby victory still ranks high on his list of accomplishments, although he has gone on to a stellar Nationwide career. We feel that back in the seat of Richie Wauters’ car, he’ll come in as a real contender.�

His monumental victory was not only one for the record books, but it also was an historic first for one of stock-car racing’s most illustrious bloodlines.

Rusty Wallace, Stephen’s father and winner of more than 50 NASCAR Cup series races, failed to find Victory Lane in several Derby attempts. Uncles Mike and Kenny Wallace have gone winless, as well. That leaves the youngster to continue to eye a chance to once again hoist the Tom Dawson trophy.

Stephen Wallace has made a splash in his Nationwide car recently. He enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2010 driving for his father. In the No. 66, 5-Hour Energy, Rusty Wallace Racing Toyota, “Steve� posted 13 top-10s.

He followed with a 10th-place finish in the season standings this year thanks to five top-10s and a pair of top-fives. Wallace bested Uncle Mike by three spots while finishing three spots behind Uncle Kenny.

The 44th annual Snowball Derby kicks off with opening night ceremonies Wednesday, Nov. 30. The Super Late Models begin practice sessions Thursday, as local division drivers will vie for their own Derby crowns Thursday and Friday nights. The Pro Late Models will battle for the celebrated Snowflake 100 title Saturday, all leading up to the Derby on Sunday.

For tickets and more information on the Derby, please visit 5flagsspeedway.com or call the track office at (850) 944-8400.

 

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