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Drivers warm up for Derby weekend

Written by

Chuck Corder

News Journal correspondent

 

The most popular faces Wednesday at Five Flags Speedway belonged to a trio of women.

None of them drive a stock car.

But Deborah Holland, Kim Franklin and Lois Jernigan steered hundreds to sheer happiness as the 44th annual Snowball Derby dropped the green flag on a busy week.

With a ladle, a tower of Styrofoam cups and their 80 gallons of chili, the trio were the belles of the ball on a frigid opening night for America's most prestigious short-track event.

"We've gone through 400 cups," Holland said. "I expect to sell twice that many. We started cooking this morning and we've tasted it to perfection."

Perfection is what every driver hopes for this week with six divisions vying for Derby championships, all culminating Sunday afternoon with the 300-lap extravaganza for Super Late Models.

The racing begins at 5 tonight when the Bombers and Sportsmen battle for their respective crowns. Practice for the Derby and Snowflake 100 for the Pro Late Models begins at 10 a.m. today.

It all officially got under way Wednesday when Chelsea, Ala., driver Josh Hamner brought his hauler onto the track and became the first driver to find his pit spot.

"Maybe I can stay first all weekend," Hamner deadpanned.

The day officially ended when Hamner and nearly 120 of North America's top late model drivers drew for their qualifying positions for both the Derby and Snowflake.

Hamner drew a 23 for Derby qualifying on Friday night, and 69 for Snowflake qualifying on Saturday before the race.

"As long as I make the show, all I ask for is luck," said Hamner, who is making his seventh Derby weekend appearance. "This race means so much to us. For us to get the win, it'd be pretty cool."

He'll have to battle the likes of Bubba Pollard. The hottest late model driver in the nation was wrapped tightly in a windbreaker with the hood pulled high Wednesday night.

Pollard wanted to pull the drawstrings tight to hide his face after drawing disappointing qualifying numbers 72 and 60, respectively.

A veteran at just 24, Pollard knows the higher the number the more you open yourself up to the elements.

"The car's gonna be loose with the dew falling," he said. "It's hard to get a grip when it's cold. I hope it turns out all right."

Local driver Logan Boyett, driving his No. 11 Pro Late Model, was in the same boat after the bottom of his Twisted Tea can read No. 75.

"It can get to a point where if it's too late, that's not what we're looking for," he said. "I would've definitely preferred 30 to 50, somewhere in there.

"I'm pretty confident, though. I know what I've got to polish up, so it shouldn't be too bad."

No matter what number Boyett and Co. flipped over, at least the chili was good news.

At $3 a bowl, Holland and Franklin, who co-own printing business Print Now, were donating all their proceeds to the Santa Rosa Kids' House.

Jernigan was there helping serve, even if a few drops landed on the outside of the cups.

"I wouldn't stand real close. I'm messy," Jernigan warned just as she spilled a little bit on her hand. "Ow, that's hot!"

Things at the famed half-mile, asphalt oval heat up today.

 

 

 

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