A closer look at the Snowball Derby champion’s ring

Ken Jernigan is a lifelong resident of Pensacola, Florida, who has been working in the jewelery business for 35 years. 

Since 2012, Jernigan has combined his love for racing at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, with his day job by designing a champion's ring for the Snowball Derby.

The process to design the original ring took nearly a year, with Erik Jones becoming the first to earn one by winning the 2012 Snowball Derby.

The ring, made from a special jeweler’s alloy, features Five Flags Speedway’s familiar stylized “5” on the top, with “Snowball Derby” champion on the left and “Champion” on the right of the track’s stylized number. The top of the ring features 18 to 20 cubic zirconia stones with stippling used to help accent the stones and design.

The left and ride sides of the ring are customized each year, with one side featuring the driver’s name, car number and Five Flags Speedway logo while the other side features the year and image of the Tom Dawson Trophy, the hardware that goes to each Snowball Derby winner

In addition to Jones, John Hunter Nemechek, Chase Elliott, Christian Eckes, Kyle Busch, Noah Gragson, Travis Braden, Ty Majeski, Chandler Smith and Derek Thorn are the other drivers to receive a Snowball Derby champion’s ring.

Jernigan also designed a pendant featuring the top of the Snowball Derby champion’s ring, which is also awarded to the race winner each year.

The champion's ring and pendant will be awarded once again this Sunday following the 56th running of the Snowball Derby.