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Cole Powell Getting Back to Fendered Racing at Snowball Derby

2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Rookie of the Year to Race for Brad Keselowski Racing
51 Sports / Snowball Derby PR

Traditionally, the Snowball Derby attracts drivers and teams from all over North America from all different forms of racing. Over the years, drivers with backgrounds in other forms of motorsports have tried their hand at running in the most prestigious short track race in the country. Some with success, others, not so much.

In the case of Mt. Brydges, Ontario driver, Cole Powell, he perhaps has a leg up on those who normally don't race with fenders on their cars. The 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Rookie of the Year, who has quite a bit of experience in a full bodied stock car, will return to the driver's seat of a Super Late Model for Brad Keselowski Racing and will compete in the 46th Annual Snowball Derby Presented by JEGS at Five Flags Speedway (FL) on December 4-8th.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity and I'm really fortunate to be able to go down with Gary Crooks (crew chief) and BKR," said Powell. "They know way more than what we do with their experience, notes and technology and with all the races under their belt."

Powell attempted to qualify for the 2012 edition of the Snowball Derby with his family team, but came up short on their bid to make the race.

"We went down last year with our own equipment and honestly, we didn't know what the heck we were doing. There's just not too many Canadians that go down there at all and let alone compete with these guys. It would mean the world to make the show, to finish well, to finish with all the fenders on it. If we have a chance to win it though, look out."

During the 2013 racing season, the 21-year-old Powell concentrated primarily on his NASCAR Whelen Modified and was rewarded with the top freshman honors. In addition, he also raced in the Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway (FL) where he finished eighth and made select appearances in the Southern Tour as well where he earned his season high finish of a third at Bowman-Gray Stadium (NC) on August 3rd.

Before turning his attention to the open-wheel Modifieds, Powell cut his short track racing teeth in the asphalt Late Model world in both his native Canada and the United States. He has competed in the Super Late Model division at New Smyrna's World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour and the OSCAAR Super Late Model Series.

Armed with past Snowball Derby weekend experience and plenty of laps in different types of racecars, Cole Powell hopes to bring the Snowball Derby winner's laurels back to Ontario.

"I don't just want to Qualify into the race, I want to Qualify in the top 10," said Powell. "I think we've got a great shot at contending for the win. Three-hundred laps is a long time and pit stops mean a lot. Hopefully we can make Canada proud of us; this means a lot to us to even be able to go down to the Snowball Derby."

Entry forms for the 46th Annual Snowball Derby presented by JEGS and the Allen Turner Hyundai Snowflake 100 are currently available on the official website of the Snowball Derby, www.snowballderby.com.

The 46th Annual Snowball Derby presented by JEGS weekend kicks off on Wednesday, December 4 with the Cat Country / WEAR TV 3 Green Flag Party and Jack Link's Qualifying Draw at Five Flags Speedway. On-track action begins Thursday, December 5 with practice for the Snowball Derby Super Late Models and the Snowflake 100 Pro Late Models as well as feature action for the Five Flags Butler U-Pull-It Bomber and Beef-O-Brady's Sportsman divisions.

Friday, December 6th is WXBM 103.7 Pole Night for the Snowball Derby cars as drivers try to lock themselves into Sunday's starting field. More practice for all Late Model cars and feature events for the track's Super Stock and Modified divisions.

Saturday holds qualifying and the main event for the Allen Turner Snowflake 100 as well as the first-ever appearance of the Pro Truck division during Snowball Derby weekend.

It all leads up to the most prestigious asphalt short track race in the country, the 46th Annual Snowball Derby presented by JEGS on Sunday, December 8. The Snowball Derby will pay $22,500 to the winner, plus additional available bonuses.

For ticket and camping information, a detailed Snowball Derby weekend schedule and more, visit www.snowballderby.com.

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