What won the race: Overcoming a last-lap slider from early leader Sam Mars, third-starting Cole Searing of Huron, S.D., executed a perfect crossover move and beat Mars to the checkers by 0.136 of a second in Friday's $3,000 Structural Buildings WISSOTA Challenge Series opener at I-94 EMR Speedway. Searing secured his first victory of the season and his third career tour triumph.

Quotable: “I knew (Sam Mars) was there, my (spotter) was trying to tell me he was getting closer, telling me to go,” Searing said. “I knew once I tried to pass that last (lapped car) there that I slowed all my momentum and he was probably gonna try a slider, luckily I was able to turn it back down and cross him up. All in all, it was a great night.”

Key notes: The pole-starting Mars, of Menomonie, Wis., led the opening six laps before giving way to Searing and trailing him until attempting the daring last-lap slider that came up just short. ... Ryan Mikkelson regained third on lap nine and completed the podium finishers. ... Dave Mass used a last-lap pass to grab fourth. ... Nick Panitzke advanced five positions and placed seventh. ... Reigning six-time series champion Pat Doar failed to transfer through his heat race and could only improve two spots in the feature, finishing 16th. ... Track promoter Don Shaw settled for 17th. ... Late Model rookie Kollin Hibdon was slated to start 13th before losing a wheel during pace laps and tagging the field. ... Shane Edginton drew the race's lone caution when he slammed an infield tractor tire with his left-front, ending his night on lap five. ... Friday's race lasted 18 minutes, with 17 competitors completing 40 laps and 23 running at the finish.

On the move: Kevin Burdick of Proctor, Minn., started 19th and finished 10th.

Winner's sponsors: Searing’s MB Customs Race Car has a Pro Power Racing Engine and sponsorship from Collins Brothers Towing of St. Cloud, Minnesota Truck Headquarters, Conkey Farms, Central Plains Construction, Jerry Kleinsasser Farms, Binger Cattle and Grain, Allied Climate Professionals, Farmers Union Insurance, Glade Cattle Company, Avail Wealth Management, Speedwerx Headers and Jig E Signs.

Points chase: After I-94: 1. Cole Searing (113); 2. Sam Mars (108); 3. Ryan Mikkelson (104); 4. Dave Mass (100); 5. Jeff Massingill (97).

Current weather: Clear, 59°F

Car count: 46

Fast qualifier: Pat Doar

Time: 16.182 seconds

Polesitter: Sammy Mars

Heat race winners: Jake Redetzke, Shane Edginton, Thomas Weisgram, Shane Sabraski

Consolation race winners: Cole Schill, Pat Doar

Provisional starters: Gunner Frank, Pat Kelley, Danny Vang

Next series race: May 12, Granite City Motor Park (Sauk Rapids, MN) $3,000