What won the race: Using a turn-three slider to overtake race-long leader Dave Eckrich, sixth-starting Bill Leighton Jr. of La Vista, Neb., led the final 14 laps to win Friday's $3,000 third annual Tony Stewart Tribute at C.J. Speedway. Leighton grabbed his first Malvern Bank East Series victory of the season and the third of his career.

Quotable: “You know you kinda just had to run down there up against that curb, cause that’s the fastest line,” Leighton said. “I kinda found that lane through the middle and gained some ground on (Dave Eckrich) before I could put a slider on him down here and clear him.”

Key notes: Leighton's win is his second triumph of the month after topping June 1's $3,000 Malvern West Series stop at Off Road Speedway in Norfolk, Neb. ... The second-starting Eckrich, of Oxford, Iowa, led the opening 11 laps before settling for third. ... Eckrich's younger brother, Andy, started 10th and finished second, a little over a second behind Leighton. ... Chad Simpson improved eight positions and finished sixth aboard Jay Johnson's No. 93 machine. ... Pole-starting Nick Marolf slipped to finish eighth. ... Jason Hahne rebounded after transferring through a consolation, placing ninth. ... Friday's Tony Stewart Tribute was slowed by four cautions and lasted 19 minutes, with 15 drivers completing 25 laps.

On the move: Dylan Thornton of Orcutt, Calif., started 13th and finished fourth.

Winner's sponsors: Leighton’s Mark Wright Racing Rocket Chassis is powered by a Scott Bailey Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Barger Grading, Duros Dentworks, Taylor Quik Pik Shell, Collins Home Creations, Five Star Truck Center, Wright’s Feedyard, Sweet Treats by Lori, Full Field Ag, Madsen Wealth Management of Raymond James, MHM, VP Racing Fuels and Underdog Design & Drawing.

Points chase: After CJ: 1. Andy Eckrich (950); 2. Chad Holladay (942); 3. Dylan Thornton (934); 4. Jeff Tharp (922); 5. Jason Hahne (920).

Car count: 27

Fast qualifier: Chad Holladay

Time: 19.224 seconds

Polesitter: Nick Marolf

Heat race winners: Chad Simpson, Justin Kay, Darrel DeFrance, Curt Schroeder

Consolation race winners: Jason Hahne

Provisional starters: Chris Spieker, Charlie McKenna, Curtis Glover

Next series race: June 20, Dubuque Speedway (Dubuque, IA) $3,000