11/12/2024
Five Flags Speedway
Williams to be Honored with Photo of the Snowball
Last November a long-time friend of the Snowball Derby left this earth too early. Camera man Jamie Williams attended several Snowball Derby events as a photographer for several publications and media outlets. The Maine native loved Super Late Model racing and did everything he could to save money to make it to Pensacola each December.
Soon his work could be seen online and in the yearly Snowball program, Late Model Digest and several online websites. Jamie always seemed to be where the action was. He was quick on the trigger and had some epic snaps over the years.
The staff at Five Flags Speedway enjoyed Jamie’s smile and endless efforts around the speedway. As a tribute to Williams, the photo of the Snowball Derby will be presented in his honor this year before the race. The first winner will be selected from the photos that were sent to the staff at the conclusion of the 2023 race.
“We wanted to honor Jamie with something he did well and that was taking photos,” said track General Manager Tim Bryant. “Jamie was impressive at his craft and more importantly he was a friend to everyone from fans, drivers, and our staff.”
The 2023 Snowball Derby was tough for many who called him a friend as tributes were laid out at his turn one fence hole before any laps were turned that week.
“Jamie’s legacy at the Snowball Derby will live on forever,” said Mike Twist, former editor of Speed51.com. “It lives on through his priceless photos. It lives on through our memories of time spent with him. It lives on through the work of younger photographers who he mentored. It even lives on through the lens of his camera, which he selflessly passed down to one of his prized students.”
Before the work of drones Williams got to be high above the track for some ariel work before the race on Sunday.
“Jamie got the chance to take photos of Five Flags Speedway during Derby week from a helicopter piloted by the late Stanley Smith,” added Twist. “That was impressive, but Jamie was never satisfied. He needed to see the Snowball Derby from the absolute best seat in the house.”
The presentation will take place before the green flag on Sunday.
Article Credit: Elgin Traylor
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