What won the race: Overtaking Zack Dohm early amid traffic, polesitter Ryan Montgomery of Fairmont, W. Va., soared to his first career Ultimate Mid-Ohio Valley Series victory in Friday’s Mike Sampson Memorial at I-77 Speedway. Topping a hard-charging Tyler Evans and Dave Hess Jr. — the only other drivers on the lead lap — Montgomery earned $3,000 after battling rugged track conditions for 40 laps.

Quotable: "Luckily my dad was over there giving me signals, telling me 'You're good' and helped me stay calm and helped me not make any mistakes," Montgomery said.

Key notes: Early leader Zack Dohm retired with a smoking car while running second just after a lap-19 restart. ... Third-finishing Dave Hess Jr. nearly rolled his car in turn one on the second lap but held onto his ride. ... Tyler Carpenter was slated to start eighth but scratched. ... The Mountaineer Run For The Musket weekend kicked off Friday at I-77 before moving to Florence Speedway on Saturday for a $5,000-to-win finale. ... The weekend champion will be crowned with a musket, coonskin hat and moonshine jug.

On the move: Kody Frame of Elkview, W.Va., started 12th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Montgomery's Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Montgomery Homes, Central Supply and Hoosier Racing Tire.

Points chase: I-77 hosted the Ultimate Mid-Ohio Valley opener.

Current weather: Partly Cloudy, 65°F

Car count: 19

Fast qualifier: Zack Dohm

Time: 12.475 seconds

Polesitter: Ryan Montgomery

Heat race winners: Jeremy Blake, Tyler Carpenter

Next series race: July 19, Richmond Raceway (Richmond, KY) $3,000