What won the race: Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., led all 45 laps of the MLRA-sanctioned Spring Nationals at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo., cruising to the checkers by 7.489 seconds in picking up a caution-free $5,000 victory.

Quotable: "(The car) was that good, it just made it real easy to control where I needed to be in lapped traffic," Shirley said. "I love coming to Lucas Oil. I'm so happy to be here and win my first race here."

Key notes: Shirley earned his first career MLRA feature victory in the Spring Nationals. ... An Illinois driver won on the MLRA circuit for the first time since Denny Woodworth of Mendon, Ill., triumphed at Lakeside Speedway on Sept. 26, 2008. ... Shirley, who follows the WoO tour, traveled from Friday's race at Duck River Raceway Park in Wheel, Tenn., to Wheatland; Saturday's WoO event in Tazewell, Tenn., was cancelled. ... Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., led every lap of Friday's 30-lap event that opened the weekend.

On the move: Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., started 13th and finished second.

Winner's sponsors: Shirley's Bob Cullen Racing Longhorn Chassis has a Pro Power Racing Engine and is sponsored by Arnie Ranta, Kid's Castle, Thomas Express, Cheap Cars, KBC Graphix, Popejoy Plumbing, Skateland South and Kim's Autobody.

Car count: 47

Heat race winners: Rodney Sanders, Tony Jackson Jr., Jesse Stovall, Randy Timms, Brian Shirley

Consolation race winners: Chris Brown, Michael Kloos

Next series race: April 17, State Fair Speedway (Sedalia, MO) $5,000