What won the race: Ninth-starting Rusty Schlenk of McClure, Ohio, battled past Eric Spangler and led the final 14 circuits for a $4,000 payday in Saturday's 40-lap American Ethanol Late Model Series season opener at Montpelier Motor Speedway. Schlenk beat Spangler to the finish line by 0.699 of a second.

Quotable: "It was awesome. Racing top to bottom," Schlenk said praising the track. "Nothing better than a dirt race when you gotta give a slide job to win the thing."

Key notes: Schlenk’s five career Ethanol victories are second on the all-time list. ... Travis Stemler led the first five laps before fellow Michigander Eric Spangler took command. ... Richmond, Ind., drivers Duane Chamberlain and Steve Casebolt finished third and fourth. ... Montpelier hosted Super Late Models for the first time in 17 seasons.

On the move: Winner Rusty Schlenk started ninth.

Winner's sponsors: Schlenk’s C.J. Rayburn Race Car is powered by an ECR Engine and sponsored by Buckeye Concrete Coatings, Dominator Race Products, Allstar Performance and Velocita.

Points chase: It was the tour’s season opener; Dona Marcoullier of Houghton Lake, Mich., is the reigning champion.

Car count: 33

Fast qualifier: Rusty Schlenk

Time: 13.579 seconds

Polesitter: Travis Stemler

Heat race winners: Rich Bell, Brandon Thirlby, Steve Casebolt

Consolation race winners: Matt Shipley, Hillard Miller

Next series race: July 5, Merritt Speedway (Lake City, MI) $5,000