What won the race: Polesitter Jimmy Thomas of Phenix City, Ala., raced to a home-state victory Friday at North Alabama Speedway on the Crate Racin' USA Series. Thomas led flag-to-flag to earn $2,000 in the opening King of the Crates feature.

Quotable: “If you would have asked me earlier tonight if I thought I could win this race, I would have had my doubts, but I have to thank my Dad and my crew for giving me a fast car tonight,” Thomas said. “We might be able to find some more speed out of it for tomorrow night, but we check everything over and put it in the box. It’s good!”

Key notes: Thomas took the checkers 2.549 seconds ahead of runner-up Jeremy Shaw. ... Justin Litchford piloted Christian Hanger's No. 29; Hanger's wife recently delivered a child. ... Eleven drivers complete 40 laps. ... The weekend action was postponed two weeks earlier in anticipation of Hurricane Laura remnants. ... The fourth annual King of the Crates event pays $3,000-to-win Saturday.

On the move: Josh Putnam of Florence, Ala., started 10th and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Thomas drives a Scorpion Race Car sponsored by BTR, Jenwood, Shorty's Motorsports, Cooper's Lawn Care, Sugar Land and RaceWrapz.

Points chase: Entering the North Alabama weekend, Wil Herrington of Hawkinsville, Ga., had 818 points to lead Cruz Skinner (804) and Corey Dunn (740).

Current weather: Clear, 75°F

Car count: 35

Fast qualifier: Jeremy Shaw

Time: 14.579 seconds

Polesitter: Jimmy Thomas

Dash winner: Cruz Skinner

Heat race winners: Tyler Wood, Oakley Johns

Next series race: September 12, North Alabama Speedway (Tuscumbia, AL) $3,000