What won the race: Fending off a charging Brandon Overton after a caution with four laps remaining, fast qualifier and polesitter Jensen Ford of Johnson City, Tenn., captured his first career Ultimate Southeast Series victory on Friday at Natural Bridge Speedway. He finished ahead of Overton and home-state driver Logan Roberson.

Quotable: “We’ve had so many doubters, we've had so (many) people hating on us," Ford said. "We haven’t had the finishes to show how good our car’s been. I’m glad we had the speed we showed tonight.”

Key notes: Jensen Ford led every lap. ... Outside front-row starter Brandon Overton went to the outside and pulled alongside Jensen Ford heading into turn three on the final lap. ... The frontrunners appeared to make slight contact and Ford won the drag race off turn four to grab the victory. ... Michael Brown was an early retiree when he stopped to draw a caution. ... Ultimate Southeast drivers head to Virginia Motor Speedway on Saturday for a $20,000-to-win event.

On the move: Logan Roberson of Waynesboro, Va., started sixth and finished third.

Winner's sponsors: Ford’s TNT Race Car is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Whitehead Construction, Estes Bros. Construction, Stanco Equipment, Cook’s Property Group, Hardison Suspension Technologies and Penske Racing Shocks.

Points chase: After Natural Bridge: 1. Zack Mitchell (164); 2. Anthony Sanders (150); 3. Corey Gordon (139); 4. Brian Ledbetter (125); 5. Doug Sanders (117).

Current weather: Clear, 77°F

Car count: 19

Fast qualifier: Jensen Ford

Next series race: May 21, Virginia Motor Speedway (Jamaica, VA) $20,000