What won the race: Powering by race-long pacesetter Tanner Kellick on lap 27, second-starting Mike Palasini Jr. of Leland, Miss., led the rest of Saturday's 40-lap Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series season opener at Jackson Motor Speedway. Palasini beat Kellick to the line by 1.113 seconds for a $3,000 payday and his second career MSCCS triumph at Jackson (July 31, 2021).

Key notes: Palasini picked up his eighth career MSCCS victory and his first since last fall's Gumbo Nationals opener at Greenville (Miss.) Speedway, worth $5,000. ... Tanner Kellick led the opening 26 laps from the pole before giving way to Palasini and fading back in the closing laps. ... Brandon Carpenter (lap three) and Rick Rickman (lap nine) each worked their way by Jade Luzenberg. ... The third-starting Luzenberg, of Saucier, Miss., faded to fourth. ... Reigning MSCCS champ Chad Thrash was never a contender in finishing 11th. ... The 40-lap season opener was slowed by two cautions and lasted 17 minutes, with 12 starters completing the distance. ... Doug Sanchagrin and Cam Harris both scratched after hot laps.

On the move: Easton Bollinger of Bruce, Miss., started 16th and finished 12th.

Winner's sponsors: Palasini’s Ricky Jowers-owned Bob Pierce Race Car is powered by a Pro Power Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Luigi’s Restaurant, The Tint Man, Pro Glow, Advanced Suspension, Dreher Contracting and Fosters Wood Work.

Points chase: After Jackson: 1. Mike Palasini Jr. (145); 2. Tanner Kellick (140); 3. Brandon Carpenter (135); 4. Rick Rickman (130); 5. Jade Luzenberg (125).

Current weather: Clear, 63°F

Car count: 18

Fast qualifier: Mike Palasini Jr.

Time: 14.735 seconds

Polesitter: Tanner Kellick

Dash winner: Tanner Kellick

Heat race winners: Chase Williams, Brian Rickman

Next series race: April 18, Hattiesburg Speedway (Hattiesburg, MS) $2,500