What won the race: After an extended battle, polesitter Scott Schmitt of Tonica, Ill., took the race lead from fellow front-row starter Brian Diveley of Springfield, Ill., just before the halfway mark and held off a late-charge from Rich Bell of Sheffield, Ill., for a $1,200 victory on the Midwest Big 10 Series.

Key notes: Schmitt and Diveley had an intense race for the lead in 30-lapper's early stages. ... Schmitt took the lead with a slide job just before a lap-14 caution for Dennis Vandermeersch. ... After Schmitt initially stretched his lead, Bell began to close. ... A late caution with two laps remaining for Kenny Van Dorn gave Bell a chance, but Schmitt was able to fend off Bell's low-side charge for the win. ... The series made its first appearance of 2014 at Lincoln. ... The track kicked off a weekend tripleheader for the series that goes to Macon and Quincy on Saturday and Sunday. ... The series returns to Lincoln on Aug. 8 to wrap up its season.

On the move: Matt Taylor of Springfield, Ill., came forward from eighth to finish third.

Winner's sponsors: Schmitt drives a Bob Pierce Race Car powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine with sponsorship from Aaron's Disc Sharpening, AR Bodies, Dyer's Top Roads, Edge's Tap, Jam Graphix, John's Place, Liberty Village Retirement Center, Mid-State Cartage and SGS Materials.

Points chase: Entering the event, Ryan Little of Pleasant Plains, Ill., had 316 points to lead Greg Kimmons (196).

Car count: 21

Polesitter: Scott Schmitt

Heat race winners: Scott Schmitt, Brian Diveley, Rich Bell