What won the race: David Mielke of Gladwin, Mich., dominated Saturday night's American Ethanol Late Model Tour action at Merritt Speedway, earning $5,000 for his second straight victory on the Michigan-based series. He beat defending series champion Brandon Thirlby to the finish line by 1.020 seconds in the 40-lap feature.

Quotable: “We just had a great weekend,” Mielke said. “A good starting (spot) definitely helped us. I don’t know how we would if we’d been back in traffic, but out in clean air this car was really good.”

Key notes: Mielke's previous series triumph came June 28 at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Mich. .... Three late cautions slowed the race, but Mielke launched off on each restart and was able to build a sizable lead on eventual runner-up Thirlby in a matter of a few circuits. ... Former tour champ Dona Marcoullier retired after two laps. ... All but five starters completed 40 laps.

On the move: Andrew Terrill of Sanford, Mich., started 18th and finished 11th.

Winner's sponsors: Mielke's Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Don's Auto Clinic, Warner Farms, Macon Marine Center, Highpoint, B.E. Motorsports and Thirlby Automotive.

Points chase: Thirlby (515 points) entered the event leading Travis Stemler (480), Logan Arntz (476), Rich Bell (446) and Rusty Schlenk (334).

Current weather: Cloudy, 72°F

Car count: 31

Fast qualifier: David Mielke

Time: 14.903 seconds

Polesitter: David Mielke

Heat race winners: David Mielke, Travis Stemler

Consolation race winners: John Goodrich, Andrew Terrill

Next series race: July 19, I-96 Speedway (Lake Odessa, MI) $4,000