What won the race: Scoring an emotional victory, second-starting Matt Henderson of Loudon, Tenn., led all 30 laps Friday at the Talladega Short Track to capture the Crate Racin' USA tour opener. He earned $2,000 in his Chip Vineyard-owned ride and dedicated the race to the car owner of his Topless Outlaw ride, Luke Crass, whose sons died tragically three days earlier.

Quotable: “On the way down here, I was thinking, “Man, if there’s just some way we can win this thing for those guys. We put that (memorial) sticker on there, and I swear I felt like they were riding with me," Henderson said. "In the car I could finally shut the world out and concentrate on racing, but it really hit me extremely hard when I crossed under the checkered flag. I totally lost my composure at the scales and I knew it was gonna be a hard deal, and tears were just streaming down my face remembering those two boys. It’s been a really difficult week, and I was actually miserable coming down here because of the sad situation we’ve all experienced."

Key notes: Polesitter Cody Overton of Evans, Ga., remained within striking distance, but settled for the runner-up position, 0.619 seconds behind Henderson. ... After starting third, Jadon Frame of Winchester, Tenn., held that position until he brought out the race's first caution on lap 21, relegating him 22nd. ... Friday's feature started shortly after midnight local time, but was slowed by only two caution flags and lasted just 13 minutes. ... The top-16 competitors completed all 30 laps. ... The Crate Late Model tour returns to the Talladega Short Track on Saturday, featuring a $2,500-to-win event. … With inclement weather possible on Saturday, series and track officials have tabbed Sunday as a make-up date. … CRUSA returns to Talladega on July 3 and Oct. 1-2.

On the move: Jake Knowles of Rome, Ga., started 12th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Henderson’s CVR Race Car is sponsored by Stanco Equipment, Vineyard Enterprises, R. Stuart Lumber, Bilstein Shocks, CVR Race Cars, Hendren Racing Engines, Hoosier Tire South, RPI Suspension and Vineyard Lawn.

Points chase: It’s the tour’s season opener.

Current weather: Clear, 34°F

Car count: 32

Polesitter: Cody Overton

Consolation race winners: Jake Traylor, Jimmy Thomas

Provisional starters: Troy Dixon, Brian Womack

Next series race: April 24, Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) $2,500