What won the race: Fourth-starting Tyler Stevens of Searcy, Ark., took advantage when race-long leader Chad Simpson became mired in lapped traffic on lap 15 and led the final 15 circuits to win Friday's $5,000 ninth annual Ron Jenkins Memorial opener at Lucas Oil Speedway. Stevens snared his first victory of the season and the first of his career with the Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association.

Quotable: "I was worried I was gonna wear the right rear (tire) out, but the car was so good I could steer around there and didn't have to really slide," said Stevens. "I was pretty patient there, running up behind Chad (Simpson). He was committed pretty much to the bottom and when he got into that lapped traffic, I knew if he didn't work his way up and find that clean area of the racetrack, I thought I could roll by him here.”

Key notes: Series points leader Simpson, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, led the first 15 laps from the pole before a lapped car pinched him into an infield tire, handing the lead to Stevens; Simpson trailed the rest of the way and finished 0.328 of a second back. ... Seventh-starting Dillon McCowan moved into third on lap 25 and completed the podium, securing his best career series finish. ... Tenth-starting Logan Martin completed the top five after taking the spot for good on lap 14. ... Chris Simpson finished 15th after being forced to roll out a backup car and utilize a provisional starting position for the main event. ... Sixth-starting Cole Wells spun on the opening lap and drew the race's only caution, triggering a complete restart. ... Friday's 30-lap feature lasted 18 minutes, with 16 competitors completing the distance and 23 running at the finish. … The two-day event honors Ron Jenkins, the founder of the original Wheatland Raceway and concludes with Saturday's $11,000-to-win finale.

On the move: Justin Wells of Aurora, Mo., started 14th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Stevens drives a Longhorn Chassis powered by a Mod Co Racing Engine and sponsored by Stallion Transportation Group, W&W Timber, Joel’s Auto Sales, Bass Bucks and Birds Triple B Outdoors Brand, James A. Rogers Excavating, Southern Belle, KR Performance Fuels, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks and Razor Edge Graphics.

Points chase: After Wheatland Friday: 1. Chad Simpson (2,425); 2. Chris Simpson (2,185); 3. Dillon McCowan (2,125); T4. Garrett Alberson (2,000); T4. Daniel Hilsabeck (2,000); 6. Trevor Gundaker (1,780).

Current weather: Clear, 64°F

Car count: 34

Fast qualifier: Chad Simpson

Time: 15.591 seconds

Polesitter: Chad Simpson

Heat race winners: Chad Simpson, Mason Oberkramer, Scott Crigler, Tyler Stevens

Consolation race winners: Clay Stuckey, Dusty Leonard

Provisional starters: Trevor Gundaker, Aaron Marrant, Chris Simpson

Next series race: September 2, Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) $11,000