What won the race: Shane Clanton of Zebulon, Ga., took advantage of an off weekend from World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series action to pick up a $3,000 victory with the Schaeffer's Southern Nationals Bonus Series on Friday at Tri-County Racetrack. The 42-year-old led all 40 laps of the feature from his pole starting position en route to defeat second-starter Ricky Weiss of Headingley, Manitoba.

Quotable: “I don’t know what to say about this Ray Cook,” Clanton said of the SNBS promoter who debuted a new “droop” rule at Tri-County. “He’s trying to be the innovator of the sport for safety and put racing back in our hands. It’s pretty exciting to come and win a first race with the chains on (to restrict the expansion of the car’s left-rear suspension).”

Key notes: Clanton's third career Schaeffer's Southern Nationals Bonus Series triumph came in the tour's 2018 season opener. It was also the WoO regular's first victory lane visit of the young campaign. ... Weiss's runner-up finish came in his first start in his own car since winning twice during January's Wild West Shootout in Arizona. ... The event was slowed by two caution flags, the first on lap 11 for Shanon Buckingham (flat tire) and the second on lap 16 for Robby Moses's spin. ... The feature was aligned heads-up by results of time trials. ... The program was the first run under the new "droop" rule that promoter Ray Cook has instituted for his three series in 2018 to limit how high teams can get the rearends of their cars. ... SNBS action continues Saturday at Toccoa (Ga.) Speedway with a $6,400-to-win event.

On the move: Former Tri-County champion Shawn Chastain of Murphy, N.C., started 12th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Clanton’s Capital Race Car is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Weldbank Energy, Advocare, Keyser Mfg., Super K Express, The Butcher Shop, Bill Roberts Trucking, Cooper Meat Packers, Penske Shocks and M&S Concrete.

Points chase: The 2018 SNBS points chase got underway at Tri-County.

Car count: 21

Fast qualifier: Shane Clanton

Time: 12.536 seconds

Next series race: March 17, Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) $6,400