Thank You For Making the 53rd Snowball Derby a Resounding Success

PENSACOLA, Florida (December 9, 2020) — Here we are a couple of days removed from the 53rd Annual Snowball Derby, where Ty Majeski found his way to victory lane, besting Derek Thorn, who carried himself to second place after being the dominant driver in the race, and perhaps the weekend.

It was a fun story to tell. 

Personally, it marked the 13th time in the last 17 years that I’ve had some kind of involvement with the most prestigious short track race in the country. 

For PixelatedSPEED, it marked our third year of coverage — albeit from afar due to the COVD-19 pandemic and my choice to not attend in person.

Instead, coverage was presented from the home studio, virtually through the power of the internet and the help of a lot of great friends and colleagues.

Not being there myself, I heavily relied on my “racing family” to help me bring readers fresh content each day. This post is my shoutout to the many folks that helped PixelatedSPEED at the Snowball Derby in 2020.

First and foremost I have to thank you, the fans. Without the likes, the follows, the shares and the comments, none of this would have any meaning. I love motorsports, and telling the stories and chronically the events brings purpose to my passion. You, the fan, are my audience and I thank each and every one of you for your support.

Next, I have to thank Tim Bryant, Nicholas Rogers, and the entire staff at Five Flags Speedway. Not only have they welcomed me and my brand to the speedway, they’ve respected my choice to stay away in these current times. I am always grateful to have the trust and respect of the venues I cover, and look forward to returning to the speedway in 2021.

If not for the impeccably comprehensive coverage by Speed51.com and Speed51.TV, I would have been blind during Derby week. Over the course of the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside the crew at Speed51, and I’m a proud alumnus of what I call “Speed51 University.” I thank Bob Dillner and his entire crew for their support of my endeavours over the years and their friendship.

I know Matt Weaver and Jacob Seelman are in need of a lot of pain medicine after carrying me on their backs throughout the entire event. Weaver, and his outlet Short Track Scene, have been an invaluable source of information and cooperation this past week. Seelman, reporter for the legendary Speed Sport, always makes himself available to answer questions and provide context in a time when I’m having to piece things together, second hand.

They’ve been on site, reporting first hand accounts of what happened in the moment, and detailed analysis afterward. Thank you Matt, Cassie, Andy, Jacob and Brandon for allowing me to “tag along” virtually. I most definitely look forward to being in the thick of things alongside you all in 2021.

The stunning imagery of the Snowball Derby is one of the aspects I enjoy most about the event. In 2020, I partnered with Tyler Sontag of Speedracer Photos and Eddie Richie of Turn 1 Photos. The results were amazing. Thank you Tyler and Eddie for offering your assistance and providing the visual element to my coverage this year.

A special shoutout goes to a PixelateSPEED alumnus, Ben Kilcrease and his new outlet, Turn2News.com. Kilcrease came in clutch for a couple of key photos that were needed in a pinch. Thank you, sir, for your help and I wish you and your crew all the best moving forward.
In all, PixelatedSPEED had a successful Snowball Derby week. Even without being there in person myself, we were able to provide timely and accurate, information and news to a very supportive fanbase. It was only possible with the help and support of EVERYONE mentioned above.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I’m truly honored to have so many great friends.

While the racing is over for now, there are still plenty of stories to share from the 53rd Snowball Derby, so keep an eye out for fresh posts coming very soon.

Also, stay tuned for a wave of announcements and launches from PixelatedSPEED as the 2021 racing season draws near. After spending the majority of the season at home, it’s time to get back to the track and #FocusForward.

– Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining

PixelatedSPEED is a motorsports news and views website in its 2nd full season, covering all things racing and has been going “Beyond the Headline” Since 2018. If you’ve made it this far into the post, thank you. Please consider sharing this content on the interwebs and following PixelatedSPEED on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. PixelatedSPEED is a part of the Gravel Media Network. Copyright – 2018 – 2020