What won the race: Polesitter Chris Ferguson of Mount Holly, N.C., never looked back in leading Saturday's entire 40-lap Carolina Clash feature at Cherokee Speedway. Ferguson outran seventh-starting Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., to collect a $4,000 payday, winning by 4.645 seconds.

Key notes: Ferguson won his 12th career Carolina Clash event. ... Fergy's crew thrashed all week to prepare for the race after a crushing April 29 accident while leading the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series feature at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, N.C. The wreck thoroughly bent the middle of his car's frame. ... After initially thinking he might be sidelined for several weeks, Ferguson picked up a new Longhorn Chassis on Wednesday and had it ready for action three days later. ... Cherokee's feature was slowed by five yellows, the most serious when Richie Corley taggled the turn-one wall on the 13th lap. ... Ten cars finished on the lead lap. ... Trent Ivey won the SECA Crate Late Model feature.

On the move: Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., charged from his seventh starting position to finish second.

Winner's sponsors: Ferguson's family-owned Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Race Engine and carriers sponsorship from Championship Sparks Plugs, RPM Trailer Sales, Live Oak Family Dentistry, Langley Collision Center, Carver and Sons Roofing, On Site Solutions, and Keith's Handyman Service.

Points chase: Johnny Pursley moved into the series lead at Cherokee with 366 points with Chris Ferguson (364), Dean Bowen (361) and Ross Bailes (361) in contention.

Car count: 18

Fast qualifier: Chris Ferguson

Time: 15.517 seconds

Polesitter: Chris Ferguson

Heat race winners: Josh Langley, Donald Bradsher

Next series race: May 14, Modoc Raceway (Modoc, SC) $4,000