What won the race: Reigning series champion Tony Toste of Pismo Beach, Calif., captured 2016's West Coast Late Model Shootout opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Dirt Track, earning $3,000 for the victory from his fourth position. Toste, who made an outside pass of Steve Drake mid-race, took the checkers ahead of Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas, Calif., and Jason Papich of Nipomo, Calif.

Key notes: Toste has four career series victories, including three last season during his title-winning campaign. ... He scored his first career victory on the tour away from Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway and first in Vegas. ... Polesitter Don Shaw, who led the first lap, dropped out on lap 21 of 30. ... Toste took the lead from Steve Drake, who led most of the first half of the race. ... Eric Turner spun in turn four for an early caution. ... John Duty brought out a mid-race yellow. ... The Chris Kearns-promoted tour heads to Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway on Saturday. ... The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and IMCA modifieds were also in action with Joey Saldana taking the sprint feature and Late Model ace R.C. Whitwell winning the modified main.

On the move: Jason Papich rallied from the last row in the 20-car field to finish third.

Winner's sponsors: Toste's Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Toste Construction, Asphalt Coatings Engineering, Globe, Timmy D's BBQ Sauce, Steak & Grape Restaurant and C&D.

Points chase: The race opened the West Coast Late Model Shootout season.

Car count: 20

Polesitter: Don Shaw

Heat race winners: Don Shaw, Steve Drake, Dean Moore

Next series race: March 5, Bakersfield Speedway (Bakersfield, CA) $2,000