What won the race: Holding off a flurry of rallying drivers, third-starting Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., earned $5,000 Wednesday at Fairbury Speedway in the season-opening FALS Cup Summer Showcase. Babb pulled away after a restart with seven laps remaining and took the checkers in the 40-lapper 2.293 seconds ahead of 12th-starting Bobby Pierce.

Quotable: "I have to admit, Bobby had me sweating," Babb said. "I knew there was a slider coming, I thought, 'I better do what I can do.' ... We're just real fortunate to come out with a win here at Fairbury tonight."

Key notes: Babb notched his second victory of the season. ... Runner-up Bobby Pierce made stiff charge for the lead on the lap-43 restart but couldn't clear Babb. ... McKay Wenger challenged Babb mid-race but retired on lap 33 after a tangle with Frank Heckenast Jr. ... Polesitter Allen Weisser pulled to the infield on lap 23 after contact with Bobby Pierce while they chased Babb. ... Track co-owner Matt Curl plans to announce soon whether Fairbury will run its $50,000-to-win Prairie Dirt Classic on the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series at the end of July; he's pledged to run the event only if health restrictions allow for a full crowd.

On the move: Runner-up Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., started 12th; Kent Robinson of Bloomington, Ind., started 16th.

Winner's sponsors: Babb’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Petroff Towing, Donley Trucking, Dyna-Gro, Douglas Dodge/Ram, CJI Piping & Fabricating, Hunting for Hope and Kuebler Ultra Oil.

Points chase: The event opened Fairbury's season.

Current weather: Broken Clouds, 72°F

Car count: 32

Fast qualifier: McKay Wenger

Time: 12.507 seconds

Polesitter: Allen Weisser

Heat race winners: Allen Weisser, Jason Feger, Shannon Babb, Kevin Weaver

Consolation race winners: Jeffrey Ledford, Mike Chasteen Jr.