What won the race: Dominating the second half of the race after he stole the lead from Brett Hamm on lap 20, third-starting Zack Mitchell of Enoree, S.C., cruised to the $4,000 Ultimate Southeast Series victory on Friday night at Carolina Speedway. He finished 5.987 seconds ahead of Johnny Pursley.

Quotable: "Great race car tonight; everything was amazing," Mitchell said. "Hopefully we can do the same thing tomorrow night."

Key notes: Mitchell, who overtook Johnny Pursley for second on lap 12, charged ahead of fast qualifier and polesitter Brett Hamm at the halfway mark and controlled the remainder of the 40-lapper. … The win marked his 10th career series victory. … Eighth-starting Carson Ferguson of Concord, N.C., retired on the ninth circuit. … The Ultimate Southeast Series visited Carolina Speedway on Friday for the first night of a weekend doubleheader in the Carolinas. … The tour heads to Lake View (S.C.) Motor Speedway on Saturday for a $5,000-to-win event.

On the move: Brandon O'Neil of Charlotte, N.C., started 13th and finished eighth.

Winner's sponsors: Mitchell’s Barry Wright Race Car is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Service Transport, Clary Hood Inc., Eubanks Oil Company, Draco Springs, Charles West Grading, Base Racing Fuel and Oil, C&H Paving, Bilstein Shocks, Nichols Plumbing and ATC Site Construction.

Points chase: After Carolina: 1. Anthony Sanders (68); Zack Mitchell (66); T3. Jimmy Owens (54); T3. Brian Ledbetter (54); 5. Ricky Weiss (52).

Current weather: Overcast, 50°F

Car count: 17

Fast qualifier: Brett Hamm

Time: 15.257 seconds

Polesitter: Brett Hamm

Next series race: April 23, County Line Raceway (Elm City, NC) $5,000