What won the race: Overtaking early pacesetter McKay Wenger amid lapped traffic with six laps remaining, seventh-starting Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., raced to his fourth MARS Racing Series victory of the season on Thursday at Farmer City Raceway. He earned $5,000 for his 21st series triumph.

Key notes: Polesitter McKay Wenger of Fairbury, Ill., led laps 7-33 but was unable to contain Shirley's high-side charge as he stole the top spot amid lapped-traffic. … Fifth-starting Josh Rice of Verona, Ky., slipped over the cushion on lap 21 while running in the top-five. He finished 11th. … The MARS Racing Series opened the doubleheader on Thursday at Farmer City for the opening night of the tour’s three-race stint in the Land of Lincoln. … The two-day show concludes on Friday with a $5,000-to-win program. … The series heads to Fairbury for a $10,000-to-win show on Saturday.

On the move: Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., started 12th and finished fifth.

Winner's sponsors: Shirley’s Bob Cullen Racing Rocket Chassis is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Thomason Express, Hoker Trucking, J&J Ventures Gaming, Kid’s Castle Learning Center, KBC Graphics, Cheap Cars, Bass Livestock Nutrition, Allgaier Motorsports and Integra Shocks.

Points chase: Before Farmer City Thursday: 1. Brian Shirley (571); 2. Jason Feger (525); 3. Ryan Unzicker (454); 4. Tanner English (405); 5. Dennis Erb Jr. (238).

Current weather: Clear, 68°F

Car count: 20

Fast qualifier: Taylor Scheffler

Time: 12.544 seconds

Polesitter: McKay Wenger

Heat race winners: McKay Wenger, Tanner English, Shannon Babb

Next series race: September 3, Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) $5,000