What won the race: Two-time and reigning series champion Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, Mo., won a three-driver dogfight at Springfield Raceway to capture the MARS opener. Polesitter Jesse Stovall, who led the first portion of the race, settled for second, while surprising Texas invader Tyler Erb also took a turn out front but broke to draw the sixth caution late in the 30-lapper.

Key notes: Jackson started outside the front row and notched his 10th career MARS victory. ... He notched his second victory of the season; he won in Tucson, Ariz., in January. ... Runner-up Jesse Stovall was looking to match his series victory total in the season opener. ... Early cautions included a tangle between Kyle Beard and Leroy Johnson back in the pack. ... The Springfield event served as MARS season opener after Clarksville (Tenn.) Speedway's action was postponed by weather two weekends in a row. ... The race marked the 16th MARS visit to Springfield.

On the move: Arizona native and Springfield resident Jeremy Payne rallied from 13th to finish third.

Winner's sponsors: Jackson's Club 29 Race Car is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Henryetta Ford, Merrill Bonding, Budweiser, RaceNote, Eibach Springs, Midwest Sheet Metal and Keyser Manufacturing.

Points chase: Jackson, the reigning series champion, jumped out to the early lead.

Car count: 30

Polesitter: Jesse Stovall

Heat race winners: Justin Asplin, Jesse Stovall, Tyler Erb, Tony Jackson Jr.

Consolation race winners: Dewayne Kiefer, Cole Wells

Provisional starters: Josh Hughes, Brandon McCormick