What won the race: Fending off challenges from Bobby Pierce and then Ryan Gustin, second-starting Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., secured a flag-to-flag victory in Friday's 40-lap Hawkeye 100 opener at Maquoketa Speedway. Shirley's $10,000 payday marks his second straight World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series victory and his third of the season.

Quotable: "Just a little bit of luck and this new car ... this Longhorn has been pretty good for us," Shirley said. "The balance is something that just favors a little bit of my driving style, I think."

Key notes: Shirley secured his 10th career Outlaws victory. ... Bobby Pierce trailed Shirley for 24 laps (3-15, 22-33), drawing within 0.051 of a second on lap 25 before eventually fading to finish fourth; Pierce later shared that he had a right-rear tire going flat in the closing laps. ... Ryan Gustin slipped as low as fourth on lap 24 before overtaking Pierce for second on lap 34, taking the checkers 0.875 of a second behind Shirley. ... Pole-starting Tyler Bruening reclaimed third from Pierce on lap 38 and grabbed his second consecutive podium finish. ... Series points leader Brandon Sheppard placed 11th. ... The feature was slowed twice, the first caution coming on lap nine for a Thomas Hunziker solo-spin. He continued to a 22nd-place result. ... The final yellow flag was displayed on lap 22 when Dennis Erb Jr. slowed from 16th with a flat right-front. He changed the tire, but could only recover to 18th. ... Nick Hoffman had an off night in finishing 21st. ... The race lasted 18 minutes, with 19 drivers completing 40 laps and 23 running at the finish. ... Brent Larson, who pulled off on lap 17, was the lone retiree. ... Jason Feger, Clay Stuckey, Trevor Gundaker, Justin Kay, Kye Blight and Spencer Diercks were among non-qualifiers.

On the move: Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., started 21st and finished ninth.

Winner's sponsors: Shirley’s Bob Cullen Racing Longhorn Chassis is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Thomason Express, Hoker Trucking, J&J Ventures Gaming, Kid’s Castle Learning Center, KBC Graphics, Cheap Cars, Bass Livestock Nutrition, Allgaier Motorsports, East Central Coin, Cheers and Integra Shocks.

Points chase: After Maquoketa Friday: 1. Brandon Sheppard (4,558); 2. Bobby Pierce (4,500); 3. Nick Hoffman (4,492); 4. Cade Dillard (4,378); 5. Kyle Bronson (4,372); 6. Ryan Gustin (4,362); 7. Brian Shirley (4,276); 8. Tyler Bruening (4,268); 9. Dennis Erb Jr. (4,206). 10. Dustin Sorensen (4,146).

Current weather: Broken Clouds, 72°F

Car count: 34

Fast qualifier: Cody Overton

Time: 14.061 seconds

Polesitter: Tyler Bruening

Heat race winners: Tyler Bruening, Ryan Gustin, Bobby Pierce, Brian Shirley

Consolation race winners: Cody Laney, Dustin Sorensen

Provisional starters: Brent Larson, Dustin Walker

Next series race: August 17, Maquoketa Speedway (Maquoketa, IA) $20,000