What won the race: Driving his father-in-law Paul Gilberts's car, third-starting Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., kept firm control throughout the 50-lap distance of Saturday night's 40th annual Red Clay Classic to record his record-tying fifth career Late Model win in the WISSOTA-sanctioned event. He glided away from Pat Doar of New Richmond, Wis., following a restart with seven laps remaining to secure the $4,000 top prize.

Key notes: Mars, whose previous Red Clay Classic victories came in 1994, '95, '96 and 2004, tied Tom Nesbitt for most all-time wins in the event. ... ABC's traditional season-ending event marked the lone Late Model appearance of the 2015 at the track. ... Prelims were contested on Friday night. ... The purse offered $4,000-to-win and $450-to-start with a solid $3,400 for second and $2,600 for third. ... The overall weekend purse for all divisions was a race-record $86,000, up nearly $6,000 from last year. ... Track champions received free entry, and there was a $125 long-tow bonus.

On the move: Doar made a strong charge forward from the 12th starting spot but couldn't offer Mars a challenge after the late caution flag, forcing him to settled for second place.

Winner's sponsors: Mars's Paul Gilberts-owned No. 21b is an MB Customs Race Car that carries sponsorship from Budweiser, CMD and Tim's Automotive and Machine.

Car count: 36

Polesitter: Harry Hanson

Heat race winners: Jimmy Mars, Chad Mahder, Harry Hanson, Jake Redetzke