What won the race: Second-starting Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C., staved off a late-race charge by Zack Mitchell at Lancaster Motor Speedway and led 40 nonstop laps en route to capturing his fifth consecutive Red Rose Rumble. Watkins beat Mitchell to the line by 1.21 seconds for the $7,500 payday and his first career victory on the fledgling Southern Thunder Super Dirt Series.

Quotable: “I’ve raced with Zack (Mitchell) forever, like you said man, fierce competitor. Those guys, when they line up, they’re tough. They’re tough all around here, anywhere they go,” Watkins said. “When my guy was showing (Mitchell) was there, I was like 'man we just gotta hold on here and see what we can do.' I kinda got up on the wheel a little bit, see what else I could get down there in three and four.”

Key notes: Watkins notched his second victory of the season and 11th Lancaster triumph since July 11, 2020. ... Watkins has won all but four Super Late Model events at Lancaster over that span, earning more than $60,000. ... Pole-starting Zack Mitchell remained within striking distance of Watkins, but never seriously challenged the winner. ... Indiana visitor Hudson O'Neal finished third aboard Kevin Rumley's No. 6 Rumley Engineering Longhorn. ... Michael Brown and Drake Troutman slipped by Layton Sullivan in the closing laps, completing the top five finishers. ... Sullivan, of Gaffney, S.C., finished sixth in his second career Super Late Model start aboard Dennis "Rambo" Franklin's No. 2 entry as Franklin continues to face health issues. ... Ross Bailes beat Benji Hicks to the line for seventh aboard Hicks's backup Double Nickel Race Car. ... Adam Yarbrough slowed from eighth on lap 22 before pulling off. ... The 40-lapper was completed without incident and lasted 14 minutes, with eight starters completing the distance.

On the move: Hudson O'Neal of Martinsville, Ind., started sixth and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Watkins drives a Longhorn by Wesley Page powered by a Clements Racing Engine with sponsorship from Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Parks Heating & Cooling, Langley Collision Center, Sandwood Company, Bilstein, WP Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire South, VP Racing Fuels, Allstar Performance, STAKT Products, Craig Industries, Top Quality Siding & Windows and Indocil Arts.

Points chase: After Lancaster: 1. Zack Mitchell (280); 2. Michael Brown (264); 3. Benji Hicks (222); 4. Beckham Malone (220); 5. Ross Bailes (212).

Current weather: Clear, 72°F

Car count: 15

Fast qualifier: Zack Mitchell

Time: 19.378 seconds

Polesitter: Zack Mitchell

Next series race: April 19, Southern Raceway (Milton, FL) $10,000