Matthew Laprade Delivers Breakout Snowball Derby Debut with Top-10 Modifieds Finish and Pro Truck Podium
Pensacola, FL — December 10, 2025 — Thirteen-year-old Matthew Laprade made an unforgettable first appearance at the 58th Annual Snowball Derby, earning a 6th-place finish in the Modifieds of Mayhem and a 2nd-place podium in the Pro Truck feature. Despite weather delays that forced both events into an unusual mid-week schedule, Laprade showcased maturity, focus, and exceptional racecraft at one of short track racing’s most demanding and prestigious events.
Originally slated for Thursday and Friday, persistent rain and dense fog pushed both races to Tuesday. The rescheduling didn’t shake the young driver from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, who settled in quickly and delivered one of the strongest combined performances of the week.
MODIFIEDS OF MAYHEM — STRONG RECOVERY AND TOP-10 FINISH
Laprade qualified 16th after his Modified bottomed out during time trials, putting him deeper in the field than expected. Once the green flag dropped, however, he drove with patience and precision. He never fell worse than 14th throughout the 75-lap feature and methodically worked his way forward, breaking into the top ten with 25 laps remaining.
He went on to score a 6th-place finish, a remarkable result for his first Snowball Derby appearance in the division. The race was won by his teammate and mentor for the week, Kaden Honeycutt, whose guidance and support played a key role in Laprade’s preparation.
PRO TRUCKS — PODIUM AGAINST AN UNDEFEATED CHAMPION
Driving for Grant Thompson Racing, Laprade qualified 4th in the Pro Truck feature and immediately took command near the front of the field. He ran inside the top three for the entire race, showing race maturity well beyond his years.
The event was won by Steven Davis, who capped off an undefeated 2025 season at Five Flags Speedway with the victory. Davis controlled much of the race but was fully aware of Laprade’s presence in the closing laps, as the young driver continued applying pressure and refused to let the leader get away.
Laprade crossed the line in 2nd place, earning a Snowball Derby podium in his first attempt and delivering a standout performance for Grant Thompson Racing.
A RISING STAR WITH A VERY BRIGHT FUTURE
For a first-time Snowball Derby competitor — and at just 13 years old — Laprade’s combined results showcased poise, adaptability, and race IQ far beyond his experience level. Competing in two highly competitive divisions, he proved he could overcome adversity, learn quickly, and race toe-to-toe with some of the most established young talents in the sport.
“Matthew showed exactly why we believe so strongly in his future,” said Rod Wortham, Founder & CEO of Race Face Brand Development. “He handled pressure with confidence, adapted to changing conditions, and executed with the kind of determination we see in drivers destined for big things. The future is incredibly bright for this young man.”
Laprade will carry this momentum into an exciting 2026 season as he continues to sharpen his skills both on and off the racetrack.
Fans can follow Matthew’s journey at: https://matthewlapraderacing.com
