What won the race: Overcoming a late-race restart, Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, Pa., held on to capture a commanding victory in Friday's 35-lap 12th annual September Sweep opener at Eriez Speedway. Hess earned $5,000 for his 14th overall victory of the season, with half of them coming at Eriez. It's his fourth career $5,000 payday in September Sweep action (twice in 2021, '22).

Key notes: Third-starting Andy Boozel pressured Hess in the late going before taking the checkers 0.868 of a second back. ... Mike Knight pursued Hess in the early stages before giving way to Boozel on a lap-nine restart and settling for third. ... Breyton Santee gained six spots and rounded out the top five. ... Friday's September Sweep opener was slowed by four cautions and lasted 22 minutes. ... Former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft hooked the turn-one cushion and flipped wildly in the first heat race, ending his night. ... The two-day event concludes with Saturday's identical 35-lap, $5,000-to-win program.

On the move: Steve Kania of Erie, Pa., started 24th and finished seventh.

Winner's sponsors: Hess drives a Longhorn Chassis sponsored by Plyler Entry Systems, Johnson’s Car Care & Collision, Chew On This Jerky, Everhart Asphalt, Martin Dynamics, Hyperco, Close Racing Supply, Base Racing Fuel, Fast Shafts, AMSOIL, Genesis Racing Shocks, Spencer Motorsports and MWB Graphics.

Points chase: Dave Hess Jr. was crowned track champion for the fifth time since 2018.

Current weather: Clear, 72°F

Car count: 24

Fast qualifier: Jared Miley

Polesitter: Dave Hess Jr.

Heat race winners: Jared Miley, Dave Hess Jr., Mike Knight