What won the race: Casey Noonan of Sylvania, Ohio, passed a faltering Nick Hoffman on a lap-24 restart and led the final two circuits of the 25-lap feature, topping Rusty Schlenk of McClure, Ohio, in a near photo finish as both the checkered flag and yellow flag waved. Noonan earned $2,000 for the Sunoco American Late Model Series victory in the Johnny Appleseed Classic at Eldora Speedway.

Quotable: "(Hoffman) was out there a ways. He would've had us if it wouldn't have been for the caution for sure," said Noonan. "We started coming along pretty good at the end on the bottom. I was pretty excited about the last few laps. I actually didn't know who won. I was looking at the scoreboard to see. That was right there; it was close. It was a great race."

Key notes: Nick Hoffman led the first 23 laps and appeared well on his way to victory, but a caution on lap 23 bunched the field. On the restart, Hoffman's right rear tire went flat. When he couldn't get up to speed he was passed by both Noonan and Schlenk. ... Hoffman enjoyed a lead of as much as seven seconds and nearly a half a lap as Noonan and Schlenk battled for second place behind him. ... Seven of the 16 starters finished on the lead lap. ... The feature was slowed for one caution coming on lap 23. ... The Johnny Appleseed Classic by Miller Lite is the oldest annual event on Eldora’s schedule. … The race originated at Mansfield (Ohio) Raceway in 1970 as a tribute to American nurseryman legend Johnny Appleseed. In 1988, Eldora founder Earl Baltes, who also owned Mansfield, moved the Classic to Eldora. … The 2016 race drew 27 cars. ... The race serves as a tune-up for June 8-10's Dirt Late Model Dream.

Winner's sponsors: Noonan's Barry Wright Race Car is sponsored by Performance Machining Racing Engines, NPM2 Motorsports, Jay Reynolds Builder, Banshee Graphics and Hoosier Racing Tire.

Car count: 16

Fast qualifier: Dustin Nobbe

Time: 15.359 seconds

Heat race winners: Nick Hoffman, Andrew Reaume

Next series race: June 17, Oakshade Raceway (Wauseon, OH) $5,300