What won the race: Austin Theiss of Hockley, Texas, wrestled the mid-race lead from teen Colton Horton to capture the Southern Texas Late Model tour opener at Cotton Bowl Speedway. Theiss led the final 15 laps of the caution-plagued 25-lapper.

Quotable: “When we went out for the feature we were shooting for up top," Theiss said. "There was a little bit of moisture up there. I was banking on going for the top and hoping it would work for us. Luckily it worked out for us. When we got into lapped cars I had to change my line a little bit, but it all worked out in the end.”

Key notes: Theiss notched his second career Southern Texas tour victory; he won in 2015 at Cotton Bowl. ... Polesitter Tracy Denby Jr. led early before Colton Horner took command. ... Horner and Theiss made contact during a battle for the lead and a caution erased Theiss's first pass for the lead. ... Midwestern transplant Jim Moon finished fifth driving Robert Scrivner's came. ... Moon won a heat race but mechanical difficulties forced him to search for another ride. ... Scrivner gave up the pole in giving up his ride.

On the move: Jim Moon started 15th and finished fifth.

Winner's sponsors: Theiss drives an MB Customs car powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Saye Plumbing Contractors, Northside Plumbing Supply, Nolls Automotive, Integra Racing Shocks, Love Graphics and Razor Edge Graphics.

Points chase: G.W. Egbert of Belton, Texas, is the reigning Southern Texas Late Model Series champion.

Car count: 17

Polesitter: Tracy Denby Jr.

Heat race winners: Jim Moon, Colton Horner

Next series race: April 15, Gator Motorplex (Willis, TX) $800