Coopersville’s Tim Steele has put together the ultimate dream team when it comes to local short-track stock car racing. Steele, a retired three-time ARCA champion who now is a car owner, is pulling out all the stops to win the prestigious Snowball Derby. The 300-lap Late Model race will be run Dec. 6 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. Tom Thomas of Grandville will handle the driving duties. Thomas is a three-time Berlin Raceway track champion, with two of his titles coming in the Late Model division. Grand Rapids native Johnny Benson Jr. will join the crew and work as Thomas’ spotter. “We are really excited to have Johnny on the team,” Steele said. “Tom and Johnny are good friends and they will work well together.”(MLive.com)(11-6-2009)
UPDATE: According to Johnny Benson’s website, he will not be attending the Snowball Derby.(11-29-2009)
