What won the race: Polesitting Michael Rouse of Wilson, N.C., led all 40 laps unchallenged to win Saturday's $5,000 Nut Up or Shut Up season opener at Fayetteville Motor Speedway. He recorded his fifth career Vision Wheel Steel Block Bandits Dirt Late Model Challenge Series triumph as he drew within three victories of Dustin Mitchell, the leader on the tour's all-time wins list.

Quotable: “Everybody thinks when they climb in these race cars it’s all about the driver, but it’s all about these (crew) guys that work on this thing every weekend,” Rouse said. “We gave up on this old car, (but) went through it over the winter time and I think it’s pretty good. This is the oldest car we got, but it’s running pretty good. You always get concerned (about lapped traffic) here; kinda the way the race track is, you can’t really move around a whole lot. Luckily, the cautions fell (at the right time) and we didn’t have a real crazy race.”

Key notes: Third-starting Russell Erwin took the runner-up spot on a lap-four restart and trailed Rouse the rest of the way, finishing 0.890 of a second back. ... Second-starting Tyler Bare gave way to Erwin and rounded out the podium finishers. ... Dustin Mitchell finished fourth after regaining the position on a lap-14 restart. ... Reigning series champ Derick Quade started and finished seventh. ... Landen Zakalowski improved eight positions and finished 11th. ... Robbie Emory slowed from 18th to draw the race's third and final caution on lap 27; he continued for eight more laps before calling it a night. ... Saturday's season opener lasted 25 minutes with 17 competitors running at the finish.

On the move: Derrick Rankin of Fisherville, Va., started 20th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Rouse’s Longhorn Chassis by Wesley Page is powered by a Rouse Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Scott Farms International, Love Sweet Potatoes, Robert’s Engines & Used Auto Parts, Curtis Insulation, Red Moon Contractors, WP Racing Shocks and Three Aces Speed Shop.

Points chase: After Fayetteville: 1. Michael Rouse (55); 2. Russell Erwin (54); 3. Tyler Bare (53); 4. Dustin Mitchell (51); 5. Michael Batten (50).

Current weather: Clear, 75°F

Car count: 25

Fast qualifier: Michael Rouse

Polesitter: Michael Rouse

Heat race winners: Michael Rouse, Tyler Bare, Russell Erwin

Next series race: April 6, Sumter Speedway (Sumter, SC) $7,500