Dawson Spivey Sets His Sights on the Snowflake 125
Slocomb native Dawson Spivey is preparing to take his shot at one of short track racing’s biggest stages, officially beginning his road to the Snowflake 125 on April 24th at Five Flags Speedway.
For drivers chasing December in Pensacola, the goal is simple: earn your place and prove you belong.
And that journey starts now.
The First Step Toward December
Spivey and the No. 9 Jett Motorsports team will roll into Five Flags Speedway for the opening “Road to the Snowflake” event a two-night show featuring top-tier Pro Late Model competition from across the country.
This isn’t a warm up.
It’s the first real test.
The program is led by Patt Jett, coming off a Snowball Derby win in 2024 with Kayden Honeycutt one of the most respected victories in short track racing. Alongside him is crew chief Greg Jane, helping keep the No. 9 team competitive week in and week out.
A Track That Demands Everything
Five Flags Speedway is a fast, worn out half mile that exposes everything.
Tire management, discipline, and long run speed aren’t optional they’re the difference between competing and falling off. And when Snowflake caliber cars hit the track, you’re not racing a local field.
You’re racing the best in the country.
Teams travel from across the United States and Canada with one goal:
Win.
Built on History
The Snowflake and Snowball Derby week have long been proving grounds for the sport’s top talent.
Drivers like Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, and Darrell Waltrip all came through Pensacola on their way to the highest levels of racing.
More recent standouts include Stephen Nasse, a former Jett Motorsports driver, and Keelan Harvick, son of Kevin Harvick, who is already making noise in the sport. Drivers like Noah Gragson and John Hunter Nemechek have also found success here.
This isn’t just another race.
It’s where reputations are built.
A New Challenge
For Spivey, April 24 marks his first real look at this level long runs, large fields, and a completely different pace of racing.
“These Pro Late Models are a different animal,” Spivey said. “The long runs are where it really gets tough. You’ve got to manage your tires and adjust as the track changes. On restarts, everything tightens up timing, patience, and situational awareness become just as important as speed. One mistake in the pack can cost you everything… and a demolished race car.”
The team has already been putting in laps ahead of race week.
“We’ve been doing private testing, and it’s been good. We’ve got one motor we plan on wearing out making laps in Pensacola, and we blew one up last week during a private test.”
He understands the jump in competition.
“Last year, I thought I was having the time of my life running 25 lap Modified races at South Alabama Speedway. But stepping into these bigger races with the best in the country is a completely different level and I enjoy the challenge and the learning curve.
It really makes you appreciate what goes into it the long hours, the preparation, and the cost. It’s a dream come true, and I wouldn’t want to be doing it with any other team than Jett Motorsports.”
The Right People Around Him
Spivey credits the people around him for helping create this opportunity.
His relationship with Patt Jett someone he considers family along with support from his brother Weston Spivey and guidance from James Finch, has helped position him for this moment.
Add in help from former Snowball Derby winner Travis Braden, now an engineer with Hendrick Motorsports, and the foundation is in place.
All Eyes on December
There’s nothing easy about Five Flags Speedway especially at this level.
But that’s exactly where drivers want to be.
Dawson Spivey, out of Slocomb, is officially starting his run toward one of the biggest weeks in racing.
Pensacola in December is the goal.
And the road starts April 24.
GO NO. 9.
