What won the race: Leading flag-to-flag, polesitter Will Vaught turned back challenges from Chad Simpson and Chris Simpson to win the MLRA-sanctioned Land of Lincoln 40 at La Salle Speedway. Chad Simpson finished second with Tony Jackson Jr., third. Vaught earned $3,000 for his first MLRA victory since 2017's opener. Chris Simpson finished fourth after catching the wall on a mid-race restart.

Quotable: "We were very fortunate to be able to start up front for once," Vaught said. "We're out here to chase these points and with two DNFs right off the bat, it's just been a real struggle. This win might help get our momentum going a little better as we head into the Show-Me."

Key notes: Vaught has eight career MLRA victories. ... He rebounded after dropping out the previous night in Davenport, Iowa. ... Chad Simpson worked his way to second and nearly overtook Vaught after an early restart, but Simpson got sideways in turn four after contact with Vaught and fell back to fifth. ... Chad Simpson rallied past Tony Jackson Jr. and his brother Chris and back into second with about 15 laps remaining. ... Dennis Erb Jr., who was a last-minute entry after his planned Lucas Oil Series start at Florence Speedway in Union, Ky., was rained out, retired while running third mid-race.

Winner's sponsors: Vaught's Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Johnson's Service Station, Wright Asphalt Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Integra Racing Shocks and GW Performance.

Points chase: Chad Simpson leads the MLRA points chase.

Car count: 24

Polesitter: Will Vaught

Heat race winners: Will Vaught, Chris Simpson, Mitch McGrath

Next series race: May 24, Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) $6,000