What won the race: Dustin Mitchell of Pine Level, N.C., led all 40 laps from the pole to win the $5,000 top prize in Saturday's Ultimate Southeast Season Championship at Halifax County Motor Speedway. Mitchell sped away to take the checkers 4.361 seconds ahead of Willie Milliken for his third Ultimate Southeast Series victory of the season and the seventh of his career.

Key notes: Mitchell remained the tour's only repeat winner this season, ending the schedule with back-to-back series triumphs. ... The second-starting Milliken trailed Mitchell the entire way. ... Fifth-starting Michael Rouse, winner of June's $5,000 opening series visit to Halifax County, finished third with right-side damage after opening-lap contact with Gray Parton. ... Parton, of Rutherfordton, N.C., climbed as high as fourth before slipping backward and slowing from ninth on lap 28. Parton was credited with ninth, clinching his first career Ultimate Southeast Series title for a $10,000 points-fund check. ... Christian Thomas spun from sixth to draw the race's seventh and final caution on lap 24. He did not continue and was credited with 10th. ... Thomas was also involved in Parton's opening-lap spin that required a 10-minute red flag for cleanup. ... Anthony Sanders was unable to complete a lap after the turn-one melee. ... The 40-lapper lasted 37 minutes, with seven starters running at the finish.

On the move: David Yandle of Monroe, N.C., started 13th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Mitchell’s Longhorn Chassis is powered by an Upchurch Performance engine and sponsored by Donnie’s Body Shop, B&L Hauling, Colebrooke Custom Homes, Tyn-Co Concrete, Currin Construction, KW Locksmith, Mac Tools by Berry Daughtry, True Story Acres, FK Rod Ends, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Willy’s Carbs, Swift Springs, Hardison Suspension Technologies and Three Aces Speed Shop.

Points chase: Final: 1. Gray Parton (377); 2. David Yandle (309); 3. Christian Thomas (289); 4. Willie Milliken (239); 5. Ben Watkins (208).

Current weather: Scattered Clouds, 72°F

Car count: 16

Fast qualifier: Dustin Mitchell

Time: 15.192 seconds

Polesitter: Dustin Mitchell