13-Year-Old Matthew Laprade Set for Double Duty at the 57th Annual Snowball Derby

By Race Face Staff | December 1, 2025

Pensacola, FL. Dec. 1, 2025 - One year ago, 13-year-old Matthew Laprade, from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, sat in the grandstands at Five Flags Speedway as a fan—captivated by the atmosphere, the intensity, and the magic of the Snowball Derby. After watching his now-teammate, Kaden Honeycutt, claim the Tom Dawson Trophy, Matthew set a bold goal on the ride home: Next year, I want to be part of this show.

This weekend, that goal becomes reality.

Laprade will take on double duty at the 57th Annual Snowball Derby, competing in the Pro Truck division with Grant Thompson Racing on Thursday, December 4th at 8:00 PM, followed by the Modifieds of Mayhem event with BMF Shocks & Chassis on Friday, December 5th at 8:15 PM, where respected industry veteran John Heil will serve as his crew chief. In the Modified event, Matthew will race alongside — and against — his teammate Kaden Honeycutt, marking a special and highly anticipated moment for both drivers.

Both events will be streamed live on FloRacing, allowing fans around the country to follow Matthew’s Snowball Derby debut.

“A year ago we came to the Snowball Derby to watch as fans. On the ride home after watching my now-teammate Kaden Honeycutt win the Tom Dawson trophy, a goal was set — we wanted to be part of this show,” said Laprade.
“We raced anything and everything we could this year, and I was coached by some of the best. I am thankful for all of you, and I’m going to give it everything I have in both the Pro Truck and Modified.”

Matthew’s 2025 season has been one of rapid growth, with valuable seat time across multiple divisions and coaching from some of short-track racing’s best. His Snowball Derby run is made possible thanks to the support of dedicated partners:

2025 Snowball Derby Partners

  • Wade Tractor & Equipment

  • Roger-Dabbs Performance Parts

  • Adrenalin Powersports

With strong teams behind him, elite coaching, and a year of preparation fueling his momentum, Laprade heads into Derby week ready to take on one of the most challenging stages in grassroots racing.

Fans can follow Matthew’s Derby updates, photos, and results at:
➡️ www.MatthewLapradeRacing.com

About Matthew Laprade

Matthew Laprade is a 13-year-old short track racer from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, competing in Pro Trucks, Modifieds, and Late Model Stock events across the Southeast. Known for his poise, natural skill, and relentless work ethic, Matthew continues to emerge as one of grassroots racing’s most exciting young prospects. Learn more at www.MatthewLapradeRacing.com

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