What won the race: Polesitter Brandon Williams of Crossville, Tenn., was never seriously challenged as he led flag-to-flag to win Round 1 of the NeSmith Winter Shootout for Crate Late Models.

Quotable: "We've come down here (to Talladega Short Track) for years and never had much luck. (We decided) we'd just make our own luck." —Race winner Brandon Williams

Key notes: This is the first race of the seven-race RockAuto.com Winter Shootout, a mini-series for NeSmith Crate Late Models that wraps up March 11 at Cochran (Ga.) Motor Speedway. ... Runner-up Riley Hickman of Ooltewah, Tenn., spun in turn four on the final circuit but kept his engine running and backed down the frontstretch across the start-finish line just ahead of Ronnie Johnson, who finished third despite an ill-handling car. ... The caution-plagued event was red-flagged for a five-car melee in turn three. ... Among a pair of Texas natives in the starting lineup was 13-year-old Colton Horner, who finished 12th, one spot behind fellow Texan Kevin Sitton. ... The event was postponed one week due freezing rain and sleet.

On the move: After winning one of Sunday's consolation races, Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., started the feature 12th and drove to a third-place finish.

Winner's sponsors: Williams' CVR Race Car is sponsored by B&R Kustoms.

Points chase: Chase Edge is the defending Winter Shootout champion.

Car count: 42

Fast qualifier: John Ownbey

Time: 14.222 seconds

Polesitter: Brandon Williams

Heat race winners: Brandon Williams, Jimmy Elliott, Riley Hickman, Pierce McCarter, Jeff Helms

Consolation race winners: Zach Shannon, Ronnie Johnson, Michael Arnold, Adam Gauldin

Next series race: January 26, Bubba Raceway Park (Ocala, FL) $2,000