What won the race: Will Vaught of Crane, Mo., who led most of the way before falling to fourth place on lap 22, benefitted from a Logan Martin-Chad Simpson tangle to win Friday's Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association event at Lake Ozark Speedway. Vaught fought off 13th-starting Jesse Stovall over the final eight laps to earn $3,000.

Quotable: "That was unfortunate for Chad and Logan there. I think we was going to have a good race there," Vaught said. "Leading the race, it was hard to tell where the (best) line was ... my car was changing, the track was changing, and those guys were getting the top going. We're just fortunate enough to pull off this win."

Key notes: The victory was Vaught's second MLRA victory of the season, and his ninth career series victory. ... Chad Simpson regained the lead from Vaught on lap 20 and was in control when Logan Martin's attempted pass crashed both drivers in turn two; Vaught, who had slipped to fourth behind Stovall, was reset as the leader for the next restart and held off Stovall. ... Terry Phillips rebounded from an early flat tire to finish fifth. ... Action continues Saturday at Lake Ozark with the $5,000-to-win weekend finale. ... MLRA returned to the third-mile oval for the first time since 2007.

On the move: Jesse Stovall of Billings, Mo., started 13th and finished second.

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: Entering the weekend, Chad Simpson of Mount Vernon, Iowa, had 1,055 points to lead Tony Jackson Jr. (957) and Will Vaught (921).

Car count: 19

Polesitter: Logan Martin

Heat race winners: Logan Martin, Chad Simpson, Will Vaught

Next series race: July 7, Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) $5,000