What won the race: Series points leader Jake Knowles of Rome, Ga., led 30 laps from the pole Friday at Smoky Mountain Speedway, holding off Cory Hedgecock to capture his third Durrence Layne Chevrolet Series victory of the season. He pocketed $2,500 for the Crate Late Model triumph with a 0.446-second margin of victory.

Quotable: “Brandon (Williams) drove under me on the inside, but I was able to drive back around him coming off the corner, and then towards the end of the race, Cory was right there with me,” Knowles said. “I have to hand it to both of them that they drove me clean, as close as we were, and it was some good racing.”

Key notes: The lone caution appeared on lap 21 when Joe Denby slowed in turn one. ... Fifteen drivers completed 30 laps. ... The Durrence Layne Chevrolet Series made its second and final stop at Smoky Mountain ... The event ran in conjunction with the $4,000-to-win Schaeffer's Fall Nationals Series program.

On the move: Wil Herrington of Hawkinsville, Ga., started 11th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Knowles drives a Longhorn Chassis sponsored by Knowles Race Parts & Bodies, Josh Roberts Trucking, Buster Goss Body Shop, Martins Wrecker Service, Curbow Logging, Coosa Heating & Cooling and JW Motorsports.

Points chase: Entering the weekend, Jake Knowles (476 points) of Rome, Ga., led Cruz Skinner (708), Oakley Johns (646), Tyler Wood (644) and Wil Herrington (640).

Current weather: Mostly Clear, 79°F

Car count: 23

Fast qualifier: Jake Knowles

Time: 17.675 seconds

Polesitter: Jake Knowles

Heat race winners: Seth Wimpey, Grant Garrison

Next series race: August 17, Duck River Raceway Park (Wheel, TN) $2,500