What won the race: Surviving an overheating engine, fifth-starting Jeff Smith of Dallas, N.C., topped seventh-starting Brett Hamm to capture the first Ultimate Southeast-Carolina Clash showdown at Carolina Speedway. Smith, who led the final 15 laps, took the checkers 3.680 seconds ahead of Hamm for a $4,000 payday.

Quotable: “The temperature gauge started going towards hot at the halfway point in the race, and I wasn’t sure if I should pull in, or go for it,” Smith said. “We were that close to the front, so I had to go for it and hope if we could take the lead, we could get some cooler air through the radiator.”

Key notes: Smith has 23 Carolina Clash victories; it was his first Ultimate victory. ... Third-place finisher Michael Brown led laps 10-25. ... Early leader and polesitter Jonathan Davenport suffered damage in a tangle with David Yandle's slower car after losing the lead to Brown. ... Nine of the 24 starters completed 40 laps. ... Davenport inherited fast time when Ross Bailes was disqualified for a tire infraction. ... The event marked the first time the Ultimate and Clash tours have co-sanctioned an event. The circuits do it again Saturday in Lavonia, Ga. ... Friday’s race was officiated by Carolina Clash officials while Lavonia's program will be overseen by Ultimate officials.

On the move: Zack Mitchell of Enoree, S.C., charged from his 19th starting position to finish sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Smith's No. 00 is sponsored by Horne's Towing, Ms. D's Auto Service and Chaos Cages Customizing.

Points chase: Entering the weekend Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., led the Ultimate standings, while Zack Mitchell of Enoree, S.C., led Johnny Pursley topped the Carolina Clash chase.

Car count: 24

Fast qualifier: Jonathan Davenport

Time: 15.982 seconds

Polesitter: Jonathan Davenport

Heat race winners: Tyler Millwood, Ben Watkins

Next series race: May 29, Volunteer Speedway (Bulls Gap, TN) $10,000