A review of the Snowball Derby record book shows that Grant is the only driver finishing in the top 10 in both the 2009 and 2008 Derbys, demonstrating how difficult it is to make and complete the biggest Late Model race in the country. The fastest qualifier in the 2006 Derby posted a time which would not even make the field in the 2009 race. Grant’s first Derby entry was in 2003. At that time only the fastest 20 qualifiers were locked into the field on Friday. Grant, in his first Derby appearance, made the field on time. Tommy Praytor told Grant that night that in later years Grant would realize how big that day was. Tommy’s words proved to be true, as Grant did not make the race the following year.

Grant’s Derby finishes have improved greatly since those years.

With the Derby behind him, Grant moves from racing on a 1/2 mile track to the 2.5 mile high banks of Daytona Speedway. The BeasleyAllen.com ARCA speedway car, which has not been run since April’s Talladega race, is being prepped by Grant for testing next Friday and Saturday at Daytona. Grant’s previous experience at Daytona was in a go-kart which was a big thrill for a 13 year old. Running 60 miles per hour in a kart was just for fun. Drafting at speeds in excess of 170 mile per hour next week will be for a purpose to prepare for the 200 mile ARCA race in February. Next week’s practice times for all cars will be accessible live by signing on to www.arcaracing.com.