What won the race: Ninth-starting Bobby Piece of Oakwood, Ill., overtook polesitter Jimmy Mars before halfway and captured Friday’s 40-lap American Ethanol Late Model Tour debut at Farmer City Raceway. Recording his first career victory on the Michigan-based tour, Pierce pocketed $5,000.

Quotable: "I was pretty nervous early on when I set fast time (but) had that invert, I thought our night would've been a wash after that," Pierce said. "But getting ready for that modified feature, I noticed the track was looking really good and they packed down the cushion. The track was just perfect."

Key notes: Pierce registered his 16th overall victory of the 2019 season. ... Jimmy Mars started on the pole and took command early. ... Pierce broke into the top five in the early laps and closed in on Mars, making an outside pass for the lead. He was never seriously challenged thereafter. ... Logan Arntz (11th) was the top-finishing series regular as Ethanol Tour regulars struggled again tough competition. ... Track champion Donny Walden of Towanda, Ill., was 18th. ... Two cautions appeared, one for a slowing Bob Gardner and another immediately when Pierce jumped the restart.

On the move: Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., started 15th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Pierce's Pierce Race Car has a Pro Power Racing Engine with sponsorship from Hoker Trucking, Allgayer Inc., Premier Waste Services, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Carnaghi Towing, Berger’s Marina, Digital Copy Systems, First Spear, Quality Paint & Body and Advanced Suspension.

Points chase: Entering the event, Brandon Thirlby (692 points) led Travis Stemler (654), Logan Arntz (619), Rich Bell (583) and Eric Spangler (487).

Current weather: Clear, 65°F

Car count: 27

Fast qualifier: Bobby Pierce

Time: 12.22 seconds

Polesitter: Jimmy Mars

Heat race winners: Mike Spatola, Logan Arntz, Billy Moyer, Brian Shirley

Consolation race winners: Tim Manville, Brandon Thirlby

Next series race: August 31, Fairbury Speedway (Fairbury, IL) $5,000