Story By: A2DPR / TREVER FEATHERS RACING – PORT ROYAL, PA – Trever Feathers was back in action Saturday night with his backup powerplant under the hood of his Larry Royston Racing machine. The planned three-race weekend the previous weekend was cut short due to an engine failure while running 5th at Bedford on May 26th.
Three months, but only six races, into the 2023 season, Feathers has been trying to find a rhythm for himself and his Barry Wright Icon. It has been a struggle for numerous reasons thus far. Saturday was a new day with the possibility of beginning a positive streak.
The pill Feathers pulled put him inside the second row for his 8-lap heat race. With only 24 cars signed in, all would qualify but a top three finish would be important to make the handicap.
Feathers went right to work at the drop of the green, grabbing the runner-up spot behind leader Jeff Rine. He pulled alongside Rine on multiple occasions but could not complete the pass to claim the top spot. The 2nd place finish was good enough to make the handicap.
Feathers assumed his position on the outside of the front row for the 25-lap main event in his Hot Rod Septic Treatment, Larry Royston’s Septic Services, Martins Pumping Service, McFarland Custom Painting & Wall Coverings, North River Farm, Clem’s Garage, Leggett Engine Research, Feathers & Sons Roofing, Coffelt Graphics, Larry Royston Properties, Larry Royston Equipment, Bilstein Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, Bo Feathers Racing, Barry Wright Race Cars, No.20.
The opening lap saw Feathers cross the line in the runner-up spot behind polesitter Austin Berry but he pulled alongside and officially led lap two by inches.
Feathers powered to sole possession of the lead on lap three and by lap six he had put some distance between himself and new the 2nd place occupant, veteran Rick Eckert.
On lap nine, Eckert slipped past to take the lead but Feathers hung tough in 2nd, not letting the leader get too far out of reach with the hopes lapped traffic would provide the needed opportunity to get back by.
As the race drew to a close in the final five laps, Dylan Yoder began to pressure Feathers. In heavy traffic on lap twenty-two, both Yoder and Dillan Stake found their way past the No.20. Feathers crossed the line in 4th.
“That was a little disappointing to have the lead and go backwards late. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining about a top five but it’s frustrating to have the lead and not be able to hold on.”, Feathers said.
“We were good but we still don’t have the balance in this car that I’m looking for. We are getting some things figured out though. We will get there.“
Hopefully this top five finish is the beginning of that rhythm Feathers has been searching for.
Feathers plans to join Appalachian Mountain Late Model Speedweek this weekend for Saturday’s race at Port Royal Speedway and again at Hagerstown Speedway the following night.