What won the race: Winning by more than a six-second margin, outside front-row starter Jake Neal of Omaha, Neb., soared to his first Malvern Bank Series victory in Saturday’s series debut at Thayer County Speedway. Neal earned $3,000.

Key notes: Polesitter Corey Zeitner of Omaha, Neb., faded to fourth in the closing laps after running in second most of the race. … Kyle Berck's third-place finish gave him the points leader over Tad Pospisil, who finished 12th. … The Joe Kosiski-promoted series made its first visit to the Deshler, Neb., track for the Thayer County Fair Race. … Thayer County hosted IMCA Friesen Challenge Series events during the tour’s 1999-’04 run.

On the move: Darrel DeFrance of Marshalltown, Iowa, started 12th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Neal’s H&H Racing Swartz Race Car is powered by a KS Engineering engine and sponsored by I-80 Farms, Hess Technology Design, Downtown Recycling, Steve’s Yard Care, Prevost Racing, Epic Custom Trailers, The Joie of Seating, Velocita USA, Diamond J Custom Service, Shocks by Precision Performance and Channel Seeds.

Points chase: After Thayer County: 1. Kyle Berck (2,684); 2. Tad Pospisil (2,682); 3. Charlie McKenna (2,568); 4. Brian Kosiski (2,554) 5. Josh Leonard (2,542).

Current weather: Scattered Clouds, 75°F

Car count: 18

Fast qualifier: Tad Pospisil

Time: 17.459 seconds

Polesitter: Corey Zeitner

Heat race winners: Josh Leonard , Mike Wiarda

Next series race: August 28, Off Road Speedway (Norfolk, NE) $3,000