Story By: A2DPR / TREVER FEATHERS RACING – ABBOTTSTOWN, PA – After his first ten races of the 2023 season, Trever Feathers had an average finish of 13.2 and no wins. At that point, the team made changes, the cornerstone of which was a move to Team Zero Race Cars.
What a difference fans have seen since that change occurred at the beginning of July.
Feathers has an average finish of 7.1 in his last ten races, and that stretch includes three wins. If you set the Lucas Oil Late Model series races aside, he has an average finish of 4.25 in his last eight starts.
The most recent victory, which required a late-race rebound by Feathers, occurred this past Saturday night at Lincoln Speedway in the Lazer Late Model Clash at the wheel of the McFarland Custom Painting & Wall Coverings, Larry Royston’s Septic Services, Martins Pumping Service, Feathers & Sons Roofing, North River Farm, Leggett Engine Research, Hot Rod Septic Treatment, Team Zero Race Cars, Shane McDowell Racing, Coffelt Graphics, Larry Royston Properties, Larry Royston Equipment, Fox Racing Shox, Bo Feathers Racing, Clem’s Garage, No.20.
Feathers signed in at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, PA on Saturday night as part of a quality 29-car field on hand to take their shot at the $3,500 winner’s share that was up for grabs.
The event used the PA Late Model Speedweek format, which kicked off with time trials. The fastest eight advanced directly to a timed dash later in the evening to set the top four rows of the main event. Meanwhile, the remainder of the field would be split to compete in two qualifiers and a consolation race to set the rest of the starting field.
Feathers came out of the gate fast and locked himself into the dash with the 5th quickest overall lap. Applying what he learned by way of some adjustments to his Team Zero No.20, he then went on to lay down the fastest lap in the timed dash, which put the Winchester, VA native on the pole for the Lazer Late Model Clash finale.
Working the bottom of the speedway during the opening laps of the 30-lap feature, Feathers got out front and took command. Ross Robinson worked the top of the speedway following an early restart and slipped by on the outside to take the lead.
The pair ran one-two for the next thirty laps. Feathers never left Robinson get more than a few car lengths away. When they caught lapped traffic, Feathers closed in.
Feathers pulled alongside Robinson with three laps remaining and took the lead for good with just two circuits to go. He held on to take the victory.
“I’m glad I got by when I did. I got so focused on him (Ross) and looking for a shot to get by, I didn’t realize I was running out of laps until I saw the white flag.”, a happy Feathers said. “I don’t really agree with the mentality that it’s better to be in second when you get to lapped traffic. I would have rather been out front, controlling the race. My dad (Bo Feathers) taught me to race everybody the same and I stick to that approach. I think that helped me during the last five laps.“
Feathers definitely got through traffic efficiently. Once taking command, he built up a 1.134-second advantage over the two remaining laps.
“This car is a breath of fresh air. I can’t thank Shane McDowell enough for helping us get this car going.”, Feathers added. “We made the right tire choice tonight. I was a little free on entry, so I was on the edge and had to be careful not to over-rotate but this car was great.”
“As a driver, when things aren’t going right like earlier this year, you start to doubt yourself, both with adjustments and behind the wheel. I didn’t change anything about how I drive or the adjustments I make. The only change we made was to get this car, and now it all clicks. That’s a huge confidence boost, not only for me but the whole team. I am always striving to be better, in the shop and on the track. In this sport, you have to be constantly learning and preparing to handle new situations.“
This weekend, weather permitting, Feathers will head to Natural Bridge Speedway in Virginia where he will wheel Brad Omps’ No.5T limited late model in the Fall Classic on Saturday night.
On the super late model front, Feathers has decided to draw the curtain on his 2023 season and turn his attention to 2024 preparations. The team will be working to build depth to their program from cars, to spare parts, to partnerships.
“We are definitely looking to add partners for 2024 and that work is already underway. We feel we have good things to offer potential partners so they get value for their investment. We would like to travel more and race more in general. We are open to working with a marketing partner to race where and when is good for them.“, Feathers commented.
Feathers’ goal is to go over his No.20 super late model from top to bottom, freshening parts with new parts with a target of having it ready. for 2024 by the end of November.