What won the race: Joining his brother as a series winner, Pierce McCarter of Gatlinburg, Tenn., moved into the lead on the 11th lap at East Alabama and led the rest of the way to earn $3,000. Jeff Smith led four laps and Chris Madden led six, but both were among early retirees.

Quotable: “We were riding along there and Jeff Smith dropped out, then (Donald) Brasher was gone, and then (Chris) Madden pulled up,” McCarter said. “That gave me the lead and I was wondering if I needed to be there because I didn’t want to be next. We have a good race car because my brother drove it to a win two weeks ago in Tazewell, Tenn., so it’s my first win in this series and the car’s second.”

Key notes: McCarter spun on one of the race's initial starting attempts but ultimately kept his spot. ... A turn-four tangle on an early restart damaged several cars, including that of points leader Ronnie Johnson. ... Donald Bradsher ran among the leaders early but dropped out. ... The tour for CT 525-engine cars was part of a three-day 36th annual Alabama State Championships weekend with four Late Model divisions in action at EAMS, including the Southern All Star-sanctioned Super Late Models. ... The series championship, which wraps up Oct. 11 at Talladega, pays $10,000.

On the move: Runner-up and hometown driver Montana Dudley started 10th; Jacob Grizzle came from 19th to sixth.

Winner's sponsors: McCarter's CVR Race Car is sponsored by McCarter Lumber Company, McCarter Farms and Ohlins Shocks.

Points chase: Retiring after 27 laps after his car was damaged in an early tangle, Ronnie Johnson saw his points lead over Jake Knowles drop to 20 points. One series race remains.

Car count: 27

Fast qualifier: Jeff Smith

Time: 16.033 seconds

Polesitter: Jeff Smith

Consolation race winners: Jake Knowles

Provisional starters: Mark Dowdy, Frank Wilson

Next series race: October 11, Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) $6,000