What won the race: Getting the jump on car owner and teammate G.R. Smith, Ashton Winger of Hampton, Ga., led all 30 laps to win Friday’s King of the Sandbox opener at Southern Raceway. Winger finished a comfortable 4.937 seconds ahead of Smith to earn $5,000.

Quotable: “It’s a little bit nerve-racking when I’m on the front row with my car owner (G.R. Smith),” said Winger. “I needed to pick that top side and go in there and lean on him. I’m glad it all worked out, but I probably would have been even more happy if he’d won. He hasn’t raced in six months. He’s a good dude and I’m really thankful for all he’s done. He’s taken a big chance on me.”

Key notes: The inaugural King of the Sandbox presented by Sweet Victory Apparel kicked off with Friday’s 30-lapper and continues Saturday with a 60-lap, $20,000-to-win finale. … Watch all the action live on FloRacing. ... The race was slowed by three cautions, a lap-five tangle in turn two that involved Joseph Joiner and Chad Thrash, a second when Joiner slowed a few laps later with a flat left rear tire and a third when Ryan Crane spun in turn two. … Joiner rebounded to finish eighth. … Overall fast qualifier Bo Slay set a new track record. … Slay finished ninth in the main event. … Ten of the 15 starters completed 30 laps. … Max Blair of Centerville, Pa., grabbed third from Evan, Ga.’s Brandon Overton on an early restart.

On the move: Payton Freeman of Commerce, Ga., started 10th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Winger’s Gambler Transport Motorsports Longhorn Chassis has a Cornett Racing Engine and is sponsored by Clary’s Used Cars, Victory Circle Auto Sales, Team 22 Inc., Performance Auto Center, Gambler Transport, Keyser Mfg., Integra Shocks and FK Rod Ends.

Current weather: Clear, 46°F

Car count: 15

Fast qualifier: Bo Slay

Time: 14.060 seconds

Polesitter: Ashton Winger

Heat race winners: Ashton Winger, G.R. Smith