Ty Majeski's Snowball Derby defense begins with a blistering qualifying lap for pole

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Defending Snowball Derby winner Ty Majeski is no stranger to going fast at Five Flags Speedway.

Already in possession of the track record in qualifying since 2015, the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion displayed his typical precision around the half-mile oval, earning his second pole with a time of 16.175 seconds.

Majeski’s time Friday did not eclipse his previous record of 16.120 seconds, but he was more than satisfied to lay down the quickest lap of anyone in the 44-car field. Long familiar with the intensity surrounding Snowball Derby qualifying, Majeski was stoic and composed while waiting for his turn to hit the track.

MORE: Complete Snowball Derby qualifying results

“It‘s more of a pride thing,” Majeski said. “Everyone talks about Friday qualifying. The atmosphere is just electric I feel like. It‘s definitely the most exciting qualifying session we have as drivers.

“It feels good to sit on another pole, and it‘s a testament to how great our Late Models are right now.”

The blistering lap Majeski set came after he had to overcome adversity during an abbreviated practice session Thursday.

While shaking down his car, Majeski hit a piece of track surface that had come loose, damaging the front end. Majeski, crew chief Toby Nuttleman and the rest of the crew worked diligently Thursday and Friday to repair the No. 91 iRacing Toyota in time for the all-too-important Friday evening qualifying session.

There was no evidence of any repairs on Majeski‘s car as he rocketed around Five Flags to give himself optimal track position for Sunday‘s 300-lap Super Late Model feature. It was Majeski‘s first Snowball Derby pole since he set the track record nearly a decade ago.

Majeski had no idea his car could put down a lap that stellar, but he trusted Nuttleman and his crew to set everything up perfectly after Thursday’s misfortune. With how busy Majeski is with his Truck Series commitments now, he plans to cherish Friday‘s accomplishment with the team before pursuing a third Snowball Derby checkered flag.

“I didn‘t really expect this kind of raw speed,” Majeski said. “I‘m really blessed to have the opportunity to drive these great late models. My guys have been together for like 13 years now, and we love coming down here.

“We don‘t spend as much time as we use to together, so it‘s a lot of fun to come down for Snowball and be competitive.”

Kaden Honeycutt, who will race full-time in the Truck Series in 2025 for Niece Motorsports, qualified on the outside pole alongside Majeski. NASCAR Xfinity Series competitor William Sawalich followed Majeski and Honeycutt in the running order with the third best time on the evening.

Majeski now has two days to regroup before the green flag waves for the Snowball Derby on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET, which will be broadcasted live on FloRacing.