What won the race: Polesitter Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, Tenn., earned $2,000 Friday at I-75 Raceway in the season opener on the NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series, leading all 40 laps for his first victory on the Crate Late Model tour. Fellow Tennessee drivers Riley Hickman and John Ownbey chased Hedgecock to the checkers in the 40-lapper.

Quotable: “It feels good to finally win one of these NeSmith Late Model races and to do it here close to home is even more special,” Hedgecock said. “We’ve led a lot of laps in these races, but we could never get the win. This is how you like to win races by setting fast time and then leading all of the laps.”

Key notes: Hedgecock lowered the track record in qualifying. ... Matt Henderson challenged Riley Hickman for second on the second lap and the two tangled, triggering a multicar pileup for the first of five caution flags. Henderson was sent to the tail. ... Other cautions were for single-car incidents, including a flat tire for former series champ Ronnie Johnson. ... Fourteen of 24 starters completed 40 laps. ... NeSmith competitors chase a $2,500 payday Saturday at I-75.

Winner's sponsors: Hedgecock's Rocket Chassis is sponsored by SmithBuilt Homes, Brucebilt Performance, K&P Used Cars, Eagle Racing Engines, Rebel Diesel, Timeless Memories Photography, Renegade Fuel and ET Motorgear.

Points chase: I-75 is hosting the series-opening weekend.

Car count: 27

Fast qualifier: Cory Hedgecock

Time: 13.302 seconds

Consolation race winners: Anthony White, Brandon Williams

Provisional starters: Justin McRee, Michael Blount

Next series race: April 29, Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) $2,000