What won the race: Leading all 40 laps after fighting off a mid-race challenge from Dennis Erb Jr. and Brandon Sheppard's last-ditch bid, Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., raced to a $5,000 MARS Championship Series victory Friday at Fairbury Speedway on the opening night of the Edelman FALS Frenzy. Shirley took the checkers 0.646 of a second ahead of Sheppard for a MARS victory on a weekend off from the World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series.

Quotable: "I knew if I just stayed smooth and hit my marks that everything would be OK," Shirley said. "Early I was (diamonding the corners) really well, and then late, as (the traction) started going away, I knew (Brandon) Sheppard would be tough because he can really haul the mail on the cushion."

Key notes: Shirley notched his third MARS victory of the season and 24th of his career. ... A low-running Dennis Erb Jr. edged ahead of Shirley after a mid-race restart, but never officially led a lap as Shirley quelled the challenge. ... Brandon Sheppard, who held the second spot 35 of 40 laps, drew close late but couldn't find a way past. ... Myles Moos ran in the top five early in his first series start in the Brent McKinnon Racing ride but faded to 11th. ... Four cautions slowed the 40-lapper, including when pole-starting Mike Spatola lost power on a lap-seven restart; he was pushed to the infield. ... Debris drew a lap-20 yellow. ... Rich Bell and Colby Sheppard slowed on the seventh lap. ... Jeffrey Ledford slowed for a lap-five caution and retired. ... Saturday's FALS Frenzy finale, the MARS season finale, pays $12,000-to-win.

On the move: Ryan Unzicker of El Paso, Ill., started 18th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Shirley’s Bob Cullen Racing Longhorn Chassis is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Thomason Express, Hoker Trucking, J&J Ventures Gaming, Kid’s Castle Learning Center, KBC Graphics, Cheap Cars, Bass Livestock Nutrition, Allgaier Motorsports, East Central Coin, Cheers and Integra Shocks.

Points chase: After Fairbury Friday: 1. Jason Feger (934); 2. Ryan Unzicker (913); 3. Justin Duty (738); 4. Bob Gardner (693); 5. Kye Blight (645).

Current weather: Overcast, 63°F

Car count: 40

Fast qualifier: Brian Shirley

Time: 12.624 seconds

Polesitter: Mike Spatola

Heat race winners: Brian Shirley, Brandon Sheppard, Dennis Erb Jr., Mike Spatola

Consolation race winners: Colby Sheppard, Ryan Unzicker

Provisional starters: Daniel Adam, Mark Voigt

Next series race: October 5, Fairbury Speedway (Fairbury, IL) $12,000