Hunter Robbins

Hunter Robbins Hopes the Third Time is the Charm at the 2008 Snowball Derby

After a Stellar Year in Pro Cup Competition, Robbins Heads Back to Pensacola for Big Event

In 2005, Montgomery, Alabama, native Hunter Robbins won the Allen Turner Snowflake 100 at Five Flags Speedway (FL) at the age of 14, beating many well-known Late Model drivers. Fast forward three years later, Robbins made a name for himself in the Hooters Pro Cup series, winning a race at Hickory Motor Speedway (NC) as well as winning the 2008 Pro Cup Miller Lite Southern Division Rookie of the Year title.

Now, Robbins is ready to head back down to Pensacola, Florida, for the 41st Annual Snowball Derby at the beginning of December in hopes of earning another prestigious honor by becoming a winner of the Super Late Model Snowball Derby.

Most of the season this year, Robbins focused the majority of his time in the Hooters Pro Cup series versus the Super Late Models, but gained knowledge and experience to help him at this year's Snowball Derby.

"I feel like running in the Pro Cup Series this year has made me mature a lot more as a driver," said Robbins. "I’ve gotten used to running the longer races and being a lot more patient. I think that’s going to be the biggest thing I’m going to take down to the Snowball Derby is me learning, running the longer races, keeping the nose clean and keeping the car together the whole race."

Last year, Robbins made the Snowball Derby by qualifying in the top 30. After running well and making his way to the top five, Robbins’ day was shaping out to be pretty good until mechanical issues got in his way.

"Last year, I had a good year," explained Robbins. "We were running third with 75 laps to go before the rear end broke. I learned a lot last year, and it was my second time running the race. I learned how to be patient, how to manage the tires and not tear anything up. We’re taking a brand new car down, and I feel like this year is going to be really good."

Hunter Robbins. (51 Sports Photo)

Hunter tried to win last year's Snowball Derby, but came up short. (51 Sports Photo)

Despite not landing in victory lane last season, Robbins isn't a stranger to victory lane at Pensacola. His 2005 victory in the Snowflake 100 Pro Late Model event shows he knows his way around the facility and the path into victory lane.

“I won the Snowflake 100 back in 2005, and at the time it was the biggest race I had run. I didn’t really realize how prestigious that whole weekend was, and to win on that weekend was pretty neat."

The big prize of the weekend, though, is the Snowball Derby. Winning it is such a prestigious honor, as many well-known names have accomplished the feat. Robbins is hoping to be able to add his name to this list and have a successful weekend with the knowledge he has gained over the past few years of his career.

"To join the list of drivers that have won the race, I mean, the names that have won it are huge. To be considered in a group with those guys, that would be pretty awesome."

The 41st Annual Snowball Derby Weekend will kick off Wednesday, December 3rd, where fans can meet their favorite drivers and enjoy live music, food, beverages and more entertainment for the whole family. On-track action will kick off on Thursday, December 4th, with practice, time trials and more the following days leading up to the 41st Annual Snowball Derby Super Late Model event, which will take place on Sunday, December 7th.