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Lapcevich returns to the Snowball Derby determined to capitalize on his learning experience from his inaugural appearance last December and showcase his improved driving skills, which have captivated the attention of the Late Model world throughout the year.
Last year, the former NASCAR Canada Series champion qualified an impressive 10th but encountered issues throughout the race that left the 20-year-old rising phenom with a frustrating 24th-place finish.
Fast-forward 12 months, Lapcevich returns to the Sunshine State with a positive mindset and upbeat outlook on one of the season’s most admired Late Model races.
“I feel good heading into the Snowball Derby,” said Lapcevich. “It’s a big race, with a lot of good cars heading to it, but I’m confident in my team and the car that we’re bringing and I look forward to the race on Sunday afternoon.
“I ran the Snowflake 100 in 2021 and made my first start in the Snowball Derby in 2023. I’ve really enjoyed the track and I think that experience and track time helps a lot.”
Track time is something that Lapcevich will soak in this week. With practice beginning Thursday, Dec. 5,
the CARS Tour winner this season is focused on using the track time to dial in his No. 32 Evirum | Leland Industries Inc. Ford Mustang.
“There are a lot of moving parts that go into this weekend, but as I said, we’ve got a great time, and I think that helps a lot,” added Lapcevich. “Just need to stay focused on the task at hand. Prior to qualifying on Friday, we will be working on getting the car tuned up for qualifying and then focusing on race runs after that.”
After spending the season driving for former ARCA championship owner and crew chief Chad Bryant and his Chad Bryant Racing team in the zMAX CARS Tour, Lapcevich will steer a family-owned entry in the 57th annual Snowball Derby.
With the family-owned operation planning for this weekend since the checkered flag dropped at Five Flags last December, the team is looking for one of the coveted 36 starting positions in the race, with the goal simple – win.
“It’s great to be running under the family banner, Fastline Motorsports, this weekend – and the goal is to win,” he said. “We’ve been preparing for this race since we finished up at the 2023 Snowball Derby.
“There’s been a lot of work going into this with some great supporters, and I think having a goal anything less than winning would be wasting everyone’s time.”
If Lapcevich can match his qualifying pace from last year, he’ll easily lock into the December 8th race.
“We have 300 laps to get the job done on Sunday afternoon, but starting as close to the front as possible always makes the race easier to navigate. I’m excited to get things going, but have a smart and organized race that puts us in contention.”
No matter what happens on Sunday, the Grimsby, Ontario, Canada native is proud of his accomplishments this season.
“No matter what happens on Sunday, I’m happy with our 2024 season and what we accomplished,” he explained. “We won a couple of big races, and I really have to thank Evirum, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and Allrem Racing for making this possible!
“It was a great step into the United States for my first full-time season here, and I’m very excited about what the future holds!”
Lapcevich’s plans for the 2025 racing season will be announced in due course.
The green flag for the 57th annual Snowball Derby is set for Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. ET., with live coverage on FloRacing.com.
For more on Treyten Lapcevich, like him on Facebook (treyten.lapcevich) and follow him on Instagram (@treytenlapcevich) and X | Twitter (@TreytenL). |
