What won the race: Flying by early leader Carson Brown on lap 12, third-starting Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C., led the rest of Friday's 40-lap 52nd annual Gaston County Shrine Race 100 at Carolina Speedway. Watkins earned a $4,000 payday and his second Mid-East Super Late Model Series victory of the season, extending his series points lead.

Key notes: Watkins grabbed his fifth overall win of the season and his first Mid-East Series victory since June 1 at Halifax County Motor Speedway in Brinkleyville, N.C., worth $10,000. ... Carson Brown led the opening 11 laps from the pole before giving way to Watkins and finishing 3.771 seconds back. ... Ross Bailes momentarily took the runner-up spot from Brown on lap 28 before appearing to tangle with Donovan Jackson and Jake Jackson on the following lap, with the incident ending each of their nights. ... Jeff Smith grabbed third from Anthony Sanders on lap 31 and completed the podium finishers. ... The main event was slowed by the lone incident involving Bailes and lasted 24 minutes, with eight competitors running at the checkers. ... Gray Parton scratched after hot laps.

On the move: Jackson Lovelady of Christchurch, New Zealand, started 12th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Watkins drives a Longhorn by Wesley Page Chassis powered by a Clements Racing Engine with sponsorship from WP Racing Shocks, Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Sandwood Company, Craig Industries, John Page Racing, Langleys Collision Center, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, Allstar Performance and Collins Signs.

Points chase: After Carolina: 1. Ben Watkins (119); 2. Benji Hicks (110); 3. Ross Bailes (90); 4. Donavan Jackson (86); 5. Ethan Wilson (82).

Current weather: Few Clouds, 77°F

Car count: 16

Fast qualifier: Carson Brown

Time: 15.687 seconds

Polesitter: Carson Brown

Next series race: August 30, Princeton Raceway (Princeton, WV) $10,000