What won the race: Dipping into the Crate Late Model division, three-time World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., topped Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., for a $2,500 NeSmith RockAuto.com Winter Shootout victory at Bubba Raceway Park.

Quotable: “Kyle Bronson and I are both aggressive drivers, and he made me earn this one," said Richards, who benefited from a couple of late-race cautions that quelled Bronson charges. "If it wasn’t for Bubba Clem and his track crew, we wouldn’t have had a track to race on tonight. After all of the rain they’ve had here over the last few days, the track was still pretty wet.”

Key notes: Richards led the final 36 laps after Bronson led the first four. ... Walker Arthur of Forest, Va., was disqualified from the third spot for using an unapproved suspension component. ... Eleven of 24 finishers completed all 40 laps after the feature was cut from the original 50-lap distance. ... NeSmith competitors return to action Saturday for a doubleheader with $3,000- and $10,000-to-win events. ... Thursday's scheduled weekend opener was rained out.

On the move: Keith Nosbisch of Valrico, Fla., started 18th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Richards drove a No. 17B Rocket Chassis sponsored by Sallack Well Service, Valvoline and Hoosier Tire.

Car count: 53

Fast qualifier: Trent Ivey

Time: 15.060 seconds

Polesitter: Trent Ivey

Consolation race winners: Shan Smith, Ralph Morgan Jr., Mike Pegher Jr., Ryan Carter

Next series race: Jan. 30, Bubba Raceway Park (Ocala, FL) $3,000/$10,000