Derek Thorn Eyes Second Tom Dawson Trophy

Derek Thorn is excited to announce his return to the 57th Snowball Derby, where he will drive the Paul Shafer Motorsports #7 Fury. This year, he welcomes new sponsorship from Precision Garage Door, alongside long-time supporters Dynamic Metal Recycling, PowerGrade Inc, PepperJack Kennels, and El Bandido Yankee Tequila.

“A few months ago, I thought I would be crew chiefing at the Derby this year, and now the Shafer’s are giving me another opportunity,” Thorn said. “I can’t thank them and Chris Purdy, who will be crew chiefing for me, enough.”

Thorn highlighted the importance of securing additional funding to help offset costs. “Tim Horvath of HDFive connected me to Bobby and Stephanie, and that really helped us,” he explained.

Precision Garage Door of Pensacola, owned by Bobby and Stephanie Boes, has proudly served the Pensacola Metro and Panama City areas since 2014, providing top-notch garage door services to the community.

Support from the racing community remains strong for the west coast standout, with long-time supporter Misty Melo of PepperJack Kennels expressing her commitment: “Derek is one of the greatest guys you will ever meet off and on the track. My support is going on 18 years with him, and it will continue until he decides to hang up the helmet, he is pretty much family now.”

Looking ahead, Thorn aims to capture his second Tom Dawson Trophy and further extend some records he holds such as the most laps ever led at the prestigious Snowball Derby. Fans can anticipate an exciting performance as he takes to the track once again.

-Derek Thorn Racing Press Release
-Photo credit: Will Bellamy, Racing America