What won the race: Outrunning friend and mentor Ronnie Johnson, polesitter Riley Hickman of Ooltewah, Tenn., went flag-to-flag to win Friday's NeSmith main event at Talladega Short Track. Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., finished second head of Cruz Skinner of Oxford, Ala. Hickman earned $2,000.

Quotable: “When it’s like it is tonight … even out there in the Super (Late Model) race, it wasn’t so much that it didn’t have any rubber on it, it was just cleaned up were you could get out there and race on it. When it’s like that, it’s really fun to race,” Hickman said. “Any time I can be able to race with (Ronnie) Johnson, he’s a really good friend, hell, he’s my hero. It’s cool to race with him, outrunning him is real good.”

Key notes: Hickman finished 2.475 seconds ahead of Johnson. ... It was Hickman's first NeSmith victory of the season. ... Eleven drivers completed all 40 laps. Ten drivers were one lap down at the finish. ... NASCAR weekend kicked off at Talladega Short Track Friday with a complete program featuring NeSmith Late Models. … Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, Tenn., has won six of 13 series events this season, including two at TST. ... The series will be back in action Saturday at TST with a $2,500-to-win main event. ... Hickman also won Friday's $2,000-to-win unsanctioned Super Late Model race.

On the move: Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, Tenn., started 8th and finished 4th.

Winner's sponsors: Hickman’s CVR Race Car is sponsored by Austin Trucking, Brinkley Farms, Tucker Mobile Home Service, American Billet, Hickman Manufacturing, Competition Racing Equipment and RH Designs.

Points chase: Entering the weekend, Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, Tenn., had 1,126 points to lead Grant Garrison (916), Colton Horner (852), Andy Picklesimer (800) and Marcus Minga (778).

Car count: 42

Fast qualifier: Riley Hickman

Time: 13.821 seconds

Consolation race winners: Jimmy Elliott, T.J. Brittain

Next series race: November 3, Southern Raceway (Milton, FL) $10,000