Bubba Pollard, winner of 19 late model races this year, blew the doors off Snowball Derby qualifying Friday night. He set a new track record and led the fastest group of Derby cars ever, in a night of high speeds on the 1/2 mile oval. Grant qualified the Triple K Construction/Baldwin County Sewer Service/Preble-Rish Monte Carlo 10th of the 60 racers trying to make the field for Sunday’s 44th Snowball Derby.

“We thought we would have a top 5 qualifier, but the car handles well and will be good in the race. I would rather start on the inside lane, but we will move down to the bottom groove when we can find a good spot after the green flag waves.”

Grant will be in good (and fast) company on the starting grid. Two time Derby winner Augie Grill will be immediately in front of Grant to begin the race, with Chase Elliott on Grant’s inside. Last year’s Derby winner Johanna Long will start 13th, with Cup star David Ragan posting a 17th qualifying spot. 2 time Derby pole winner Cale Gale will begin the race in 23th position. With only about 1/2 second separating the pole sitter from the 30th qualifier, it is apparent that any racer good enough to start the Derby has the ability and machine to win.

The 300 lap race begins at 2 p.m. CST Sunday, with live audio and text available through www.Speed51.com .