What won the race: Second-starting Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C., took the lead on lap two and never looked back, pacing the final 39 circuits to win Saturday's $5,000 Firecracker 40 at Lancaster Motor Speedway. Watkins secured his fourth overall victory of the year and his second Ultimate Southeast Series triumph of the season, the third of his career, and his first since topping May's $5,000 tour stop there, giving him the season sweep at Lancaster.

Key notes: Fifth-starting Michael Brown finished second, 2.643 seconds back. … A night after honoring his grandfather, Grassy Smith, at Cherokee Speedway, Jeff Smith finished third. ... Pole-starting Christian Thomas led the first lap before fading to finish fourth. ... Making his second start behind the wheel of the Billy Hicks Racing Double Nickel Chassis, Donald McIntosh started third and finished 10th, the first car one lap down. ... Hurrying the show to beat incoming weather, Saturday's feature was completed without incident and lasted 16 minutes, with nine drivers completing all 40 laps. ... Lancaster hosts the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series on Sept. 2 for a $5,000-to-win event.

On the move: Ultimate Southeast Series points leader Anthony Sanders of Spartanburg, S.C., started 11th and finished sixth.

Winner's sponsors: Watkins drives a Longhorn Chassis powered by a Clements Racing Engine with sponsorship from WP Racing Shocks, Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Sandwood Company, Craig Industries, John Page Racing, Langleys Collision Center, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, Allstar Performance and Collins Signs.

Points chase: After Lancaster: 1. Anthony Sanders (201); 2. Dennis Franklin (197); 3. Willie Milliken (187); 4. Ben Watkins (168); 5. Christian Thomas (167).

Current weather: Clear, 81°F

Car count: 16

Fast qualifier: Christian Thomas

Time: 18.897 seconds

Polesitter: Christian Thomas

Next series race: August 5, Sumter Speedway (Sumter, SC) $10,000