What won the race: Surviving a mid-race charge from Ryan Lanphierd, second-starting Mike Spatola of Manhattan, Ill., captured his first-ever XR Super Series victory in Saturday’s 25-lap Kokomo Klash XVIII at Kokomo Speedway. Spatola beat sixth-starting Blaze Burwell to the $5,000 payday by 0.924 of a second after a late caution set up a last-lap dash.

Quotable: “It was real nerve-racking out front there with all them cautions, because you try and change up your start every time in three so they don’t know what you’re gonna do,” Spatola said. “But after six or seven in a row, you run out of options there. The corner’s only so big.”

Key notes: Spatola recorded his fourth win of the season after claiming the $3,000 Summer Sizzler at Sycamore Speedway in late September. … Contact with the frontstretch wall on lap 16 relegated pole-starting Ryan Lanphierd to a seventh-place finish after challenging Spatola for the lead. … Lanphierd nearly nosed ahead of Spatola on lap 15 before slipping over the cushion in turn four. … Clayton Bryant of Yoder, Ind., was a scratch from the 25-lapper.

On the move: Mike Lofgren of Lombard, Ill., started 19th and finished 11th.

Winner's sponsors: Spatola’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine and sponsored by Lake Norman Mechanical, T&S Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration, Illinois State Rifle Association, B&D Chemical, Big Daddy Scrap, Steve’s Performance, V.R. Haag Consulting, County Chevrolet, Integra Racing Shocks, Allstar Performance, Night Owl Design and Fast Lane Wraps.

Points chase: After Kokomo: 1. Bobby Pierce (935); 2. Devin Moran (834); 3. Ryan Gustin (794); 4. Tyler Erb (628); 5. Mike Marlar (605).

Current weather: Clear, 77°F

Car count: 25

Fast qualifier: Justin White

Time: 13.111 seconds

Polesitter: Ryan Lanphierd

Heat race winners: Blaze Burwell, Mike Spatola, Brian Ruhlman

Next series race: October 24, Pennsboro Speedway (Pennsboro, WV) $10,000