Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee, Butch Miller has joined the growing list of entrees for both the Allan Turner Snowflake 100 and the 39th Annual Snowball Derby.
Miller claimed the 1987 Snowball Derby after posting two runner-ups and a fifth place finish in the three previous December classics. The three-time ASA National Champion hasn’t been back on the historic track since 1994. He was in the pits, however, at the ASA Late Model Series race in May acting as crew chief and mentor for Andrew Weldon, the son of U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania.
The 54 year old veteran of the NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series will be piloting the Pro Late Model and Super Late Model SS Racing Development Chevrolets. Miller wears several hats with SS Racing including manager, mentor, and of course driver.
The Mooresville, NC native is currently mentoring both Weldon and Hostess sponsored “Race Diva”, Leilani Munter. Butch says, “I enjoy helping new drivers that join our program. I feel when I help someone learn something about racing, I’m helping myself.”
Butch Miller shadows 1986 winner Gary Balough
The personable racer ranks third on the all-time win list, first in all-time poles, and second in laps led (over 10,000) in ASA Late Model competition. He has won in both Busch and Craftsman Trucks where he was voted the Most Popular Driver in 1995.
“Its one tough race to win,” stated Miller after his ’87 Derby victory. “It’s the one race that everyone shows up for. The best from all worlds of stock car racing show up to win the Snowball Derby. It’s at the end of the season and everybody can race hard knowing they don’t have to hurry home to get ready for the next race.”
The competiton will want to keep an eye on this cagey vet during this year’s racing. They might just learn something and there’s no tuition.
For information on the 39th Annual Snowball Derby go to www.snowballderby.com or call the speedway office at (850)944-8400.
Photos attached feature Butch Miller in 1987 Snowball Derby and on backstretch dicing with ’86 winner Gary Balough
