What won the race: Polesitter Matt Henderson of Loudon, Tenn., led all 50 laps to capture a $2,500 NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series victory in night one of the East Coast Battle Royal at Golden Isles Speedway near Brunswick, Ga.

Quotable: “This win is so special because we put Duayne Hommel’s No. H2 back in victory lane,” Henderson, who pilots a car in tribute to the former driver, said. "Duayne was always an idol of mine, and one day he told me that he started racing with No. 17 like I did, but he really started going places when he switched to the H2. He told me maybe I should start running the H2 and see if it would be as good to us as it was for him.”

Key notes: The race was slowed by five cautions. ... The first yellow flag flew on the ninth lap when Jordy Nipper stalled in turn four. ... Ronnie Johnson slowed in turn four for a lap-17 caution. ... Charlie Flowers drew a yellow on lap 32 when he spun in turn four. ... A yellow fell on lap 40 for debris on the racetrack, with Robert Diekemper drawing the final caution on lap 41 for a flat left-rear tire. ... Runner-up finisher Walker Arthur and third-place finisher William Thomas battled side-by-side for much of the race. ... The NeSmith action continues at Golden Isles on Sunday with another $2,500-to-win event.

On the move: Walker Arthur of Forest, Va., charged from the 12th starting spot to finish second. Ches Chester of Twin City, Ga., rallied from the 23rd starting position to salvage a sixth-place finish.

Winner's sponsors: Henderson's Duayne Hommel tribute car is sponsored by Ace Transmissions, Mighty Muffler & Brakes, Rebel Diesel Performance and Vineyard Lawn & Landscape.

Points chase: Arthur has 376 points to lead Ronnie Johnson (308) and Ryan King (296).

Car count: 30

Fast qualifier: Matt Henderson

Time: 16.701 seconds

Polesitter: Matt Henderson

Consolation race winners: Ronnie Johnson, Walker Arthur

Next series race: February 15, Golden Isles Speedway (Brunswick, GA) $2,500