What won the race: Pulling away from Joey Coulter following a caution with nine laps remaining, second-starting Chris Ferguson of Mount Holly, N.C., drove to his 17th career Carolina Clash Series victory Sunday at Cherokee Speedway. Ferguson finished 3.270 seconds ahead of Coulter while earning a $5,000 payday in the Mike Butler Memorial.

Key notes: Ferguson grabbed the lead from polesitter Benji Hicks on the 14th of 40 laps; Hicks finished fifth. … The victory puts Ferguson fourth on the tour’s all-time win list. … He’s the fifth different Carolina Clash winner in as many races this season. … The race was slowed by two cautions. ... After battling among frontrunners, Brett Hamm slowed to draw a caution on lap 31. ... Eight drivers completed 40 laps. ... Trent Ivey of Union, S.C., won the evening's Crate Late Model feature. ... Cherokee is slated to host the tour two times, first on Sept 2. and again on Nov. 18 for the season-ending Blue-Gray 100.

On the move: Jimmy McNamara of Denver, N.C., started 15th and finished 11th.

Winner's sponsors: Ferguson’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by RPM Truck & Trailer Sales & Service, Live Oak Aesthetic and Family Dentistry, Champion, Langley Collision Center, Carver & Son’s Roofing and Keith’s Handyman Services.

Points chase: Entering Sunday's event, Michael Brown of Pageland, S.C., topped the Clash standings with 445 points over Ross Bailes (395) and Adam Yarbrough (377); Brown did not enter the event.

Car count: 19

Fast qualifier: Benji Hicks

Time: 15.014 seconds

Polesitter: Benji Hicks

Next series race: June 1, Carolina Speedway (Gastonia, NC) $4,000