What won the race: Muscling ahead of race leader Josh Putnam with 10 laps remaining, Carson Ferguson of Concord, N.C., claimed his first Schaeffer’s Spring Nationals victory on Friday night at Crossville Speedway. He finished ahead of Putnam and Payton Freeman.

Quotable: “Man I’m tickled,” Ferguson said. “I usually like the track slow and slick, but it was pretty hammer down out there tonight. I’ve got to thank all of my crew guys, my girlfriend, and my dad. I didn’t know what tire to put on and we talked to Mr. Randy Weaver and he guided us in the right direction. I really want to thank him for that. Me and Josh (Putnam) ran good there for awhile and as you can probably tell, I’ve never thrown a slider in my life. But I made it work and did it when it counted!”

Key notes: Ferguson held off fast qualifier Putnam after a caution on lap 30 set up a late-race dash. … Cory Hedgecock's car was towed off the track during a lap 21 caution after he was involved in a tangle with fourth-place finisher Garrett Smith. … Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., had a rough night, dealing with mechanical trouble during prelims and then pulling up lame on the opening lap of the feature. ... After the series opened the weekend on Thursday in Brasstown, N.C., the three-race stretch concludes on Saturday at Clarksville Speedway with a $10,053-to-win finale.

On the move: After missing time trials because of an electrical issue, Payton Freeman of Commerce, Ga., started 21st and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Ferguson's Paylor Motorsports Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and sponsored by WP Racing Shocks, Hoopaugh Grading Company, Schaeffer’s Racing Oil, New Point Lighting & Design, Night Owl National Contractors, Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Superior Trailer, Dunwellz Custom Kitchen, Live Oak Family Dentistry and Pro Fabrication.

Points chase: After Crossville: 1. Carson Ferguson (1,102); 2. Cla Knight (1,086); 3. Payton Freeman (1,084); 4. Jensen Ford (868) 5. Brandon Overton (570).

Current weather: Clear, 70°F

Car count: 21

Fast qualifier: Josh Putnam

Time: 11.977 seconds

Polesitter: Josh Putnam

Next series race: April 23, Clarksville Speedway (Clarksville, TN) $10,053