What won the race: Improving eight positions in just 20 laps, ninth-starting Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., took command on the 21st circuit and controlled the remainder of the 40-lap distance for a 1.688-second triumph over polesitter Brian Ruhlman in the American Ethanol Late Model Tour season-opener. The reigning series champion earned $4,000 for his efforts.

Key notes: Marcoullier, who has a series-leading six Ethanol victories, also won I-96's season-opening program on April 28 over a field of 18 cars. ... Brian Ruhlman and Rich Bell each took turns out front in the first half of the 40-lapper; Bell went off the backstretch on lap 21 and drew a caution. ... Seventh-place finisher Rusty Schlenk of McClure, Ohio, swept the Ethanol tour's 2016 stops at I-96. ... The DIRTcar-backed Michigan series is entering its third season of competition. ... With an increased points fund, the tour's champion will earn $10,000 in 2017; all drivers attending at least 80% (11) of the tour's 14 events will receive a points fund check. ... As of May 22, a total of 22 teams had stated intentions of a full-time run on the tour this season. ... Sprint cars were also on the card. ... The series visited Lake Odessa for the first of three scheduled events; I-96 hosts the tour again on June 25 and July 28.

On the move: The winner advanced from the ninth starting position.

Winner's sponsors: Marcoullier’s Rocket Chassis has a Vic Hill Racing Engine and is sponsored by Dennis Craft Construction, Dubie Groomer, Jimmy’s Collision, McBain Body Shop and Allstar Performance.

Points chase: Friday's race opened the tour's 2017 campaign. Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., was the tour's 2016 champion, while Rich Neiser of Fruitport, Mich., claimed the crown in 2015.

Car count: 32

Fast qualifier: Dona Marcoullier

Time: 16.271 seconds

Heat race winners: Dona Marcoullier, Curt Spalding, Eric Spangler

Consolation race winners: Curtis Roberts

Next series race: June 14, Merritt Speedway (Lake City, MI) $10,000