What won the race: Overtaking Cory Hedgecock on lap 24, Michael Page of Douglasville, Ga., opened the Ultimate Southeast Series season with a victory at North Georgia Speedway. Page crossed the finish line 0.674 seconds ahead of runner-up Mike Marlar of Winfield, Tenn., with Hedgecock in third in the 40-lapper.

Quotable: “I found a couple grooves (and) if I hit it right it would be hard for somebody to pass me,” winner Michael Page said. “There was a little strip down there in (turns three and four) if you hit it right you could come off good. I was really better in the middle or high over there, but I just wasn’t gonna open up no doors until I had to do something different.”

Key notes: Polesitter Ray Cook contended early but retired on lap 17 shortly after a restart. ... Twenty-two drivers finished the race, with 12 completing all 40 circuits. ... The race kicked off the Ultimate tour’s season, it’s eighth. … For the fifth time overall and fourth straight year, the Ultimate Southeast Series opened its season at North Georgia. … The victory was Page's third career Ultimate tour victory.

On the move: Jason Welshan of Maryville, Tenn., started 16th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Page’s Stinger Race Car is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Baird Transport, Elite Concrete, Baird Towing and T&T Trucking.

Car count: 31

Fast qualifier: Ray Cook

Time: 14.584 seconds

Polesitter: Ray Cook

Consolation race winners: Tyler Millwood, Kyle Hardy

Provisional starters: Dennis Franklin, Brian Connor

Next series race: March 24, 311 Motor Speedway (Pine Hall, NC) $5,000