“I couldn’t give a sh*t”: Noah Gragson unbothered with opinions on his Snowball Derby win from 2018

NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson recently talked about his Tom Dawson Trophy from 2018 and shared how the race means more to him than the Daytona 500.

The Snowball Derby is one of the most prestigious short-track races and this year's 57th event at Five Flags Speedway offers a $50,000 prize. Gragson won the event back in 2018 and is not bothered by criticism about how he won.

"I couldn’t give a shit about what they would say. How many names have been put on this trophy? Not many. My name is on one. I am fortunate and grateful to have won this race and am excited to come back," Gragson said (via Short Track Scene).

His victory sparked debates after an engine teardown following the race led to changes for the engine manufacturer. Some also believed his teammate Raphael Lessard, who led most of the race before his engine failed, deserved the win. Gragson was then able to take the lead for the final 16 laps.

"I want to win a second one just because this is the biggest race I run every year. This is bigger than the Daytona 500 to me. That’s just how much this race means to me," he added.

Racing legends like Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip have competed here before and the 2024 Snowball Derby will include other NASCAR drivers like two-time winner Ty Majeski, and 2021 winner Chandler Smith.

---

"These are all old friends" Noah Gragson on Snowball Derby friendships

Noah Gragson, who will move to Front Row Motorsports in the Cup Series next season, also shared the friendships he has made at the Snowball Derby over the years.

The 26-year-old started racing at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida in 2015. Gragson said it is the only Super Late Model race he runs each year that offers him a chance to see friends like Zack Dunston, Bubba Pollard and the Donnie Wilson team.

"They’re just all really good friends. Like, this is the only Super race I will have run this year and so I haven’t seen everyone in a while. These are all old friends...I think of Zack Dunston over at Carson Hocevar Racing and all the Donnie Wilson guys. Bubba is one of my best friends. Every time I come here, I end up with more friends and relationships,” Gragson said (via Short Track Scene).

The 57th Annual Snowball Derby will start on Sunday (Dec. 8). Before the 300-lap main race, there will be practice, qualifying and the Snowflake 100. The event is available on FloRacing.com with a subscription.