What won the race: Easily escaping a late-race challenge from Ricky Thornton Jr., second-starting Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., led all 40 laps to win Friday's $7,000 Spring Nationals opener at Lucas Oil Speedway. Davenport captured his 13th career Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association feature victory and his third overall triumph of the season.

Quotable: “This place just fits me. It constantly changes and gives us all a curve ball, for sure,” Davenport said. "That's one thing about Wheatland — if you don't like the racetrack, just wait a minute, cause it's gonna change."

Key notes: The win was Davenport's fifth in the last 12 months at Wheatland, including last year's Spring Nationals finale. He was behind the wheel of a new Longhorn Chassis. ... The sixth-starting Thornton settled for the runner-up spot, 1.029 seconds back. ... Garrett Smith was slated to start on the pole before he was deemed to jump the race's initial start and penalized a row. He trailed Davenport for a majority of the opening 24 laps before giving way to Thornton and then slamming the turn-four wall, drawing the race's fifth and final caution on lap 25. ... Mason Zeigler ran as high as second in the early laps and completed the podium finishers. ... Mike Marlar improved eight positions and finished seventh. ... Justin Wells gained six spots and placed eighth. ... Aaron Marrant slowed from 14th on lap six to bring out the race's third yellow flag. ... Matt Johnson caused the second stoppage when he stopped in the heavy turn-four cushion on lap four. ... Friday's feature lasted 26 minutes, with 13 drivers completing the distance and 15 running at the finish. ... The race came just a few days after the passing of Gary Hubert, called the mastermind of one of dirt racing's showcase venues.

On the move: Justin Duty of Mulino, Ore., started 23rd and finished ninth.

Winner's sponsors: Davenport’s Lance Landers Motorsports Longhorn Chassis carries sponsorship from Nutrien Ag Solutions, ASC Warranty, Dynagro Seed, Mark Martin Automotive, Mega Plumbing & HVAC, Lucas Oil, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Bilstein and Midwest Sheet Metal.

Points chase: After Wheatland Friday: 1. Tony Jackson Jr. (205); 2. Chad Simpson (200); 3. Justin Duty (185); 4. Chris Simpson (180); 5. Jeff Herzog (175); 6. Trevor Gundaker (170); 7. Dillon McCowan (150); 8. Gordy Gundaker (140); 9. Mason Oberkramer (130); 10. Dusty Leonard (125).

Current weather: Clear, 50°F

Car count: 44

Fast qualifier: Jonathan Davenport

Time: 14.802 seconds

Polesitter: Garrett Smith

Heat race winners: Garrett Smith, Mason Zeigler, Jonathan Davenport, Garrett Alberson

Consolation race winners: Aaron Marrant, Tyler Stevens

Provisional starters: Justin Duty, Mason Oberkramer, Brennon Willard

Next series race: April 13, Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) $20,000