Much like Denny Hamlin’s quest for the championship, another late-model, pro-late-model legend is chasing his first-ever Snowball Derby victory. While Hamlin is in pursuit of the title, the Senoia native isn’t deprived of a title but has plenty to fill the trophy deck; however, he has yet to claim a win at the iconic Late-Model showdown of them all.

Yes, we are talking about Bubba Pollard. The 36-year-old is arguably one of the best late-model racers on the planet. He has won it all, and that too in plenty, except for one. The Senoia native has yet to rack up a win in the coveted Snowball Derby, yearning to kiss the Tom Dawson trophy on his 18th trip to the epic late-model extravaganza. Reacting to his upcoming run, Pollard reflected on his chances, hinting at his vice that could sabotage his aspirations hours ahead of the action.

Bubba Pollard eyes his first Tom Dawson trophy in his 18th trip to the Snowball Derby

Despite leading a 302-lap Snowball Derby career, Bubba Pollard has yet to hoist the trophy, a yearning that has lasted far longer in his illustrious career. Often touted as one of the best short-trackers in history, Pollard will certainly have a tough fight with young lions on the prowl, but his triumph isn’t an impossibility.

While on paper the veteran has titles in plenty, enough to fill out a trophy museum, he has yet to clean up the blemish that has lasted long in his resume. However, the 4-time Blizzard Series champion revealed his self-sabotaging habit hours before his highly anticipated run revealed his self-sabotaging habit that might kill his chances at Pensacola.

He said, “I get comfortable in my set up where my race car is and I do not want to change it because  I  know how good I’ve been here New Year past year in Summer, I think that hurts me and I feel like this weekend my car has been more balanced to different things like the race track slows down and the race track speeds up my car is still balanced out.”

Despite sharing the skepticism and revealing his demon, Pollard is also pretty confident in his Snowball Derby venture. He said, “I don’t think that’s what I had in years past. I feel like I am better prepared this year mentally; confidence goes a long way; I dont care what anybody says; confidence in your race car, your team, your people, and everything goes up. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Noah Gragson breaks silence on NASCAR suspension amidst Snowball Derby showing 

The “thorn” in Pollard’s way

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With the NASCAR national series concluding, all eyes are on other racing series, including the Late Model and Pro-Late Model events across the country. Fans are closely eyeing the action, and the hype is through the roof with this one as we near the commencement of the biggest race in the Super Late Model competition, the Snowball Derby.

And gearing up for the 300-lap circus is Bubba Pollard, who is looking to clear the name and rack up his first-ever Tom Dawson trophy. But that is easier said than done. The field is no pushover in any way, and the 36-year-old will have to give it his all. To make matters worse, defending Snowball Derby winner Derek Thorn qualified as the fastest, starting from the pole position on Sunday.

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The Snowball Derby race also features a star-studded NASCAR lineup, including Legacy Motor Club rookie Noah Gragson, who has qualified as the third fastest. Pollard starts fourth, while Ty Majeski starts second.